Key Takeaways:
- Abu Dhabi is cementing its status as a global innovation hub, with Hub71’s 17th cohort welcoming 26 high-growth startups from 12 countries.
- Founder-friendly policies, access to capital, and strong ecosystem support are driving Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a startup destination.
- With 70% of startups failing within the first five years, companies will need a clear vision and strong mentorship to truly scale.
On September 2, Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global technology ecosystem, announced the onboarding of its most ambitious and well-funded cohort to date.
Tackling everything from underwater robots to crypto investments, the 17th cohort brings together 26 high-growth tech startups from 12 countries, including the US, UK, and Singapore. Collectively, these startups have raised over $223 million (AED 818 million) — with 80% focusing on AI-driven solutions in healthcare, finance, and energy.
“Their decision to build from Abu Dhabi highlights the strength of our ecosystem and its position as a global launchpad for innovation,” Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, said in a statement.
Abu Dhabi’s startup appeal
For Atiom, a leading behavioural change platform for the hospitality sector, expanding to Abu Dhabi was a strategic decision.
“The UAE is becoming a global hub for innovation and hospitality, and Abu Dhabi in particular has built an ecosystem that supports ambitious founders,” said Atiom founder Matt Spriegel in a previous interview with The Meridio. “Its location also makes it a perfect bridge between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, where many of our clients operate.”
For HealthStay.io, a Dubai-based medical tourism platform, the emirate’s pull was just as strong — but for different reasons.
“Abu Dhabi is known as the ‘capital of capital’, and it feels like that already. Not just investment, but capital thinking in ambition, vision and support about what is possible. It's a very can-do, let’s-do attitude,” said Ruairi Tubrid, co-founder of HealthStay.io.
“What really stands out is the balance: they take very little but provide ten times the support. You feel that they genuinely care about your success as a founder, and we want to give back as much as possible to our cohort and the ecosystem. The energy here is unmatched,” he continued.
Hub71 takes tech startups to new heights
In addition to these advantages, Abu Dhabi boasts numerous startup accelerators and incubators that support high-potential tech companies in scaling globally.
Established in 2019 by the government of Abu Dhabi, Hub71 connects founders with investors, mentors, and global partners to accelerate growth. For Cohort 17, it is offering access to its network, AED 500,000 ($136,147) in in-kind and cash incentives, and up to AED 1 million ($272,294) in follow-on support for top performers.
“The level of support is evident from day one — the team onsite, the Entrepreneurs in Residence, and the network they’ve built are actively preparing us to be market-ready at scale,” Tubrid explained.
“Beyond mentorship, the access to AI expertise, legal and visa credits, licences, and even cash injection provides the exact foundation a growth startup like ours needs. It’s not just about guidance; it’s hands-on support that accelerates our trajectory, and we are loving it already.”
Why this matters
In 2025, the UAE capital ranked in the 51-60 tier for top emerging global ecosystems according to the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, up from its previous 61-70 position, generating $4.4 billion in ecosystem value between July 2022 and December 2024.
Some UAE-based startups have even grown into unicorns: think AI company G42, which achieved unicorn status after raising an $800 million Series D funding round led by Silver Lake in 2021.
But for most startups, here’s the harsh reality: 70% fail within the first five years. While belonging to networks like Hub71 certainly helps, there are other things companies must keep in mind.
As Maryam A. Hassani, head of trends and innovation at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, writes, “Founders who embrace a clear vision, master the art of pitching, and seek mentorship stand a far greater chance of success.”
Abu Dhabi can serve as a launchpad, but it’ll ultimately be up to businesses themselves whether they take flight or falter.
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