MoET and DSO sign deal to boost Emirati startups globally

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET) and Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), a member of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), have signed an agreement to empower Emirati entrepreneurs, exchange expertise and data, and develop specialised programmes and initiatives to boost the efficiency of startups and expand their presence locally and globally.

The move is part of the national campaign “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World” launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The agreement was signed during a visit by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, to the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), an initiative of Dubai Silicon Oasis.

The agreement was signed by Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Commercial Affairs Regulatory Sector at the Ministry of Economy, and Badr Buhannad, Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis, in the presence of Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ).

Al Marri emphasised that the collaboration between the Ministry and Dtec enhances the UAE’s efforts to build a competitive knowledge economy based on innovation and entrepreneurship, in line with the vision of the wise leadership to make the UAE the global capital for entrepreneurs

He reiterated that “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World” campaign serves as a comprehensive national platform uniting public and private sector efforts to empower entrepreneurs and support startups, providing flexible regulations and competitive incentives that enable them to confidently expand globally.

Dr. Al Zarooni emphasised that this partnership with the Ministry reflects DIEZ’s commitment through the Dubai Silicon Oasis to support the national entrepreneurship ecosystem via impactful initiatives and projects aligned with the pillars of DIEZ’s 2026 Strategy.

He added that Dtec plays a vital role in enabling entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into innovative, globally competitive ventures, thanks to a flexible business environment and advanced digital infrastructure.

Meanwhile earlier this month the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has signed a strategic partnership with the German–Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK) to create a comprehensive framework supporting the establishment and expansion of German companies across its economic zones.

The agreement, announced during a ceremony at Dubai CommerCity — the first free zone dedicated to digital commerce — marks a milestone in strengthening economic relations between Dubai and Germany.

The event was attended by Sybille Pfaff, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Dubai and the Northern Emirates; Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ; Amna Lootah, Director-General of Dubai Airport Freezone and Dubai CommerCity; Dr Martin Henkelmann, CEO of AHK; and other senior officials from both sides.

Pfaff and Al Zarooni witnessed the signing of the agreement by Lootah and Henkelmann, which focuses on enhancing cooperation in Industry 4.0, sustainability, smart manufacturing, and digital commerce. Key initiatives include utilising Dubai Airport Freezone’s logistics network to facilitate German trade, expanding German e-commerce firms through Dubai CommerCity, and developing a bilateral startup bridge in fields such as AI, fintech, mobility, and health tech at Dubai Silicon Oasis. Pfaff said Germany and the UAE enjoy a strong economic partnership, adding that Dubai’s advanced infrastructure and logistics make it an ideal base for German firms seeking regional expansion. Lootah noted that this partnership builds on successful collaboration between both sides and will “lay the foundation for a new phase of growth for German companies,” in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33.

Economic ties between the UAE and Germany have strengthened significantly, with non-oil trade reaching Dhs50.68 billion ($13.8 billion) in 2024, a 5.4 per cent rise from 2023.

Henkelmann stated that the collaboration would enable German companies to expand across key sectors, contributing to innovation and knowledge exchange between the two nations.

The partnership includes establishing a “German Desk” to facilitate fast-track market entry and operational support, an industrial innovation hub at Dubai Silicon Oasis for German tech pilots, and a “DAFZ–Germany Fast Lane” to streamline cargo and trade operations. It also promotes e-commerce growth through Dubai CommerCity by offering cross-border fulfilment solutions, hosting trade missions, and connecting German brands to regional markets. Additionally, a venture-building programme will support German startups in Dubai and UAE-based startups expanding into Europe through the AHK network.

WAM