The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, announced that it supported the launch and expansion of 1,690 digital startups during the year 2025. This reflects a 39.7% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the Chamber’s growing role in reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for digital companies and entrepreneurial innovation.

According to the Chamber, artificial intelligence (AI) accounted for around 15% of the companies it supported, while financial technology (fintech) represented 12%. A combined 20% of supported companies operated in the fields of mobility technology, software as a service (SaaS), and e-commerce. International companies made up a notable 75% of the total, underscoring Dubai’s continued attractiveness to global tech talent and ventures.

The Chamber noted the launch of the Dubai Entrepreneurs Hub in October 2025 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. The initiative—developed jointly by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy—aims to unify and strengthen the ecosystem for startups and SMEs in the emirate. The platform serves as a comprehensive hub to support innovation and foster the growth of entrepreneurship in Dubai.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, stated:

“In implementation of the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, to establish Dubai as a global capital of the digital economy, the Chamber is committed to accelerating the transition towards an integrated digital economic model. This model is built on advanced infrastructure, flexible legislation, and a business environment that fosters innovation. Our mission is to empower digital companies to grow and expand from Dubai, through a digital ecosystem that adapts to global changes and supports entrepreneurship. This, in turn, enhances Dubai’s competitiveness and attracts investments and talent across future sectors.”

Through the Business in Dubai platform—which the Chamber operates in partnership with a range of stakeholders to offer institutional support—48% of the companies supported in 2025 benefited from business setup services, in addition to opportunities to join accelerators and incubators in Dubai. Furthermore, 31% of the companies received a variety of business support services offered through the platform.

The Chamber also highlighted the success of the third edition of the “App it in Dubai” Challenge, which saw strong participation from innovators and digital entrepreneurs. The first two editions attracted more than 5,800 applications, contributing to the development and market launch of over 55 smart applications.

In October 2025, the Chamber supported the 10th edition of Expand North Star 2025, which welcomed more than 2,000 startups and over 1,200 investors, managing assets worth more than $1.1 trillion. The event also featured 40 unicorn companies with a combined valuation of $900 billion.

Throughout 2025, the Chamber organized 36 events to enhance partnerships and support digital economy sectors, in addition to 17 international roadshows to promote Dubai’s digital economy capabilities globally. The Chamber also published eight strategic reports, including the AI Guide for Entrepreneurs, which aims to educate startup founders on the tools and mechanisms of artificial intelligence they need to launch and scale their businesses effectively.