Dubai attracts 57% of scaleup funding in Mena region: Report

Dubai accounts for 57 per cent of scaleup funding in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), while the emirate is home to 39 per cent of the region’s scaleups, according to a new report developed by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy in cooperation with Mind the Bridge and Crunchbase.

The report, titled UAE Venture Outlook, examined key trends reshaping the maturing entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region, and highlighted the leading roles of the UAE and Dubai in attracting promising scaleups and tech giants.

The number of scaleups in Mena saw exponential growth in 2021, compared to 2020, as 587 scaleups were accounted for in the region by December 2021, compared to 139 in the previous year.

Mena scaleups have collectively attracted $9.1 billion, representing 0.12 per cent of the region’s GDP. Data shows that a few countries are driving the effort of the Mena region to compete with the top global tech ecosystems.

On a country level, the UAE accounted for the largest number of scaleups (251) which attracted the majority of funding in the region, or 59 per cent, having raised $5.4 billion.

Meanwhile, Dubai alone accounted for 57 per cent of funding, as the emirate is home to a major of the region’s tech giants. Saudi Arabia came second as the kingdom is home to 106 scaleups (18.1 per cent of total) that raised a total of $1.2 billion of growth funds. Egypt ranks third, accounting for 84 scaleups and $1.4B raised.

The report revealed that 26 Mena scaleups (4.4 per cent of total) relocated their headquarters inside the region to boost their growth. The UAE was the preferred destination for relocation with 8 scaleups setting up in the country, followed by Saudi Arabia with 7, and Egypt (4). Additionally, a total of 41 scaleups opted to expand their footprint beyond Mena, primarily to the US (13), the UK (5), France (5), India (3), and Canada (2).

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy said the findings of the report reflect ongoing efforts to advance Dubai’s digital economy and create a conducive environment in the emirate for scaleups to thrive and grow.

He noted that the report’s results indicate that Dubai is achieving considerable headway in achieving the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, position Dubai as a global leader in digital economy. He also said the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy last year, along with the market research conducted by the Chamber would support the sector’s growth and development.

“Despite its vast competitive advantages, the UAE continues to add more incentives for businesses and startups. The introduction of golden visas, green visas, freelancer and entrepreneur visas are all bold and positive steps the country has taken to boost its value proposition,” said Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chambers.

“Venture capital is a crucial element needed to nurture thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems and advance digital economies. We will continue to work closely with public and private sector stakeholders to ensure a conducive environment for VC firms and investors, as well as entrepreneurs from around the world,” Buamim added.

Dubai Chambers is a non-profit public entity that supports Dubai’s vision as a global player by empowering businesses, providing innovative value-added services and access to influential networks.

In March 2021, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the restructuring of Dubai Chamber and the formation of three chambers for the emirate, namely, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai International Chamber, and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, which now operate under Dubai Chambers.

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce recently organised its first roundtable meeting of 2022, which gathered representatives of various business councils and groups operating under its umbrella.

Participants examined critical economic developments, growth prospects and investment opportunities in Dubai, while they were briefed on the Dubai Chamber’s milestones and achievements and activities in 2021, as well as its new structure and strategy.

The meeting provided a platform for the Dubai Chamber to engage with the business community, identify existing challenges faced by the private sector, explore investment opportunities and seek recommendations for improving ease of doing business in Dubai.

Addressing participants, Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chamber of Commerce, stressed the importance of organising such roundtables, which he described as an ideal platform for open and constructive dialogue and a prime example of close public-private sector cooperation that continues to drive Dubai’s progress and development.