Dubai Strengthens Position as Hub for Unicorn Companies, Digital Innovation, Executives Say

Dubai is consolidating its reputation as a launchpad for high-growth technology companies and unicorns, senior executives based in the emirate told Entrepreneur Middle East. Leaders cited a combination of forward-looking regulation, advanced infrastructure, access to international talent and strategic connectivity to regional and global markets as central to scaling operations beyond the UAE.

“Dubai’s digital ecosystem has been a major enabler of our growth. The city offers a strong combination of forward-looking regulation, world-class infrastructure, access to exceptional talent, and a business environment that makes it easier to build, test, and scale quickly,” said Mohamad Ballout, CEO and Co-founder of Kitopi. “Its connectivity to regional and global markets has also been critical as we’ve expanded our ambitions beyond the UAE.”

Policy, partnerships and tech priorities

Executives point to a regulatory and institutional environment that explicitly supports digital and deep‑tech development. Fernando Fanton, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Property Finder, highlighted initiatives such as the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the Dubai Digital Strategy as shaping an ecosystem that helps firms innovate and scale.

“Milestones such as the 100% paperless government, the growth of AI and Web3 in real estate, and forward-looking programs under the Dubai Digital Strategy demonstrate how the city not only simplifies business but empowers companies, investors, and regulators alike to make intelligence-led decisions, maximize impact, and expand globally,” Fanton said. “For tech leaders and innovators seeking to scale, Dubai offers the structure, momentum, and insights to turn ambition into tangible growth.”

• Dubai Economic Agenda (D33)
• Dubai Digital Strategy, including a 100% paperless government initiative
• Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy under Dubai Chambers facilitating private–public cooperation
• Collaboration opportunities with institutions such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and the University of Dubai

Roman Axelrod, Founder and Managing Partner at XPANCEO, underscored fiscal and infrastructural incentives as part of the appeal. “Dubai’s tax incentives, infrastructure, and government support have contributed to its attractiveness, adding that the emirate’s focus on deep tech, science, and AI has been particularly important for complex businesses,” he said. Axelrod added that engagement with Dubai Chambers and participation in international tech conferences combined with access to global talent enables faster scaling than in many other markets.

Executives also suggested that Dubai’s stability amid regional events and its long-term investments in AI research and deep‑tech infrastructure help sustain momentum. “While regional events may unsettle more volatile markets, Dubai remains steady. Its ambition, scale, and strategic investments in the ‘long game,’ including pioneering global AI research, building deep tech infrastructure, and institutionalising innovation, ensure that its growth remains sustainable,” Axelrod said.

Looking ahead, company leaders say Dubai’s mix of regulation, public‑private cooperation and institutional partnerships will continue to make it an attractive base for startups aiming to scale across the Middle East and beyond, turning local innovation into regional and global expansion.