Dubai remains a magnet for global entrepreneurs as billionaire backs emirate’s business appeal

Dubai’s appeal to global founders and investors was underlined this week when billionaire investor and Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary said the emirate would be his preferred choice if he were starting a new business today. O’Leary made the remark during an in-depth conversation with Dubai-based entrepreneur Pratham Mittal, founder of Tetr College of Business, a session that ranged across entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, startup success and the policy environment that underpins business growth in the city. The comments come as Dubai Chamber of Commerce recorded 30,697 membership renewals in April 2026 — the highest monthly total in its history — a figure officials say reflects sustained business confidence.

“If I was given the option, I’d start a business in Dubai,” O’Leary said during the conversation, citing the city’s strategic location, international connectivity and ability to serve multiple markets from a single hub.

Discussion highlights

• Policy responsiveness: Mittal described a recent meeting with His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, where entrepreneurs were asked what policy changes would help them double the size of their businesses. Several recommendations were reportedly implemented within days.
• Leadership praised: O’Leary called that rapid response an example of “enlightened leadership,” highlighting the speed with which policymakers engage with and respond to the needs of the business community.
• Startup realism: The discussion emphasised that while most startups fail, long-term success depends on execution, clear customer demand and robust business fundamentals rather than hype.
• AI and caution: On artificial intelligence, O’Leary warned against overreliance on technology alone and criticised what he called the rise of “AI slop,” arguing that technology must be accompanied by disciplined decision-making and sound strategy.
• Founders’ lessons: O’Leary drew lessons from high-profile entrepreneurs such as Steve Jobs and Elon Musk when discussing financial independence, wealth creation and career development.

Pratham Mittal’s role as host brought a local founder’s perspective to the conversation, placing operational and regulatory detail alongside global investor insights. The record membership renewals reported by Dubai Chamber in April 2026 were cited as tangible evidence of continued investor and entrepreneur confidence, a metric industry leaders say reflects competitive advantages around market access, connectivity and a policy environment that supports investment, innovation and long-term business growth.

Outlook

As competition for talent, capital and innovation intensifies globally, the discussion between O’Leary and Mittal underscored Dubai’s positioning as a convening point for global business leaders, founders and investors. With the emirate framing itself as a hub where businesses can be built and scaled to serve multiple markets, the combination of strategic geography, regulatory agility and visible policymaker engagement is likely to remain a central part of the pitch to international entrepreneurs—especially those weighing where to establish their next venture.