Hub71 startups raise $2.7 billion as Abu Dhabi strengthens position as global tech hub

Startups within Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 ecosystem have raised more than Dh9.9 billion ($2.7 billion) and generated Dh5.4 billion ($1.5 billion) in revenue by the end of 2025, underscoring the emirate’s expanding appeal to technology companies and investors. According to Hub71’s 2025 Impact Report, the community secured Dh2.2 billion ($599 million) in funding and produced Dh645 million ($175 million) in revenue during 2025 alone.

Direct quote

"Startups that move to Abu Dhabi or launch their products here benefit from a wider ecosystem that includes regulators, investors, corporates, talent partners and international cross-border partners, all working together to support innovation and growth," said Mohamed Al Khoori, Head of Marketing and Communications at Hub71.

Context and details

Since its launch in 2019 Hub71’s community has expanded to 390 startups, with 295 companies supported through programmes designed to connect founders with investors, corporates, regulators, talent and strategic partners. Applications from founders worldwide rose 62 per cent year-on-year in 2025, with Hub71 receiving more than 5,000 applications and onboarding 52 new startups into its ecosystem.

• 2025 funding: Dh2.2 billion ($599 million)
• 2025 revenue: Dh645 million ($175 million)
• Total to date: Dh9.9 billion ($2.7 billion) raised; Dh5.4 billion ($1.5 billion) revenue
• Community size: 390 startups and more than 200 partners
• Applications in 2025: 5,000+ (62% year-on-year increase)
• New startups in 2025: 52

Hub71 has broadened its offering beyond its initial seed-to-Series A focus, working closely with partners such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to support later-stage companies. Al Khoori highlighted the Initiate programme, launched last year to support earlier-stage startups, and cited a specific success: "One of the programme’s success stories is our partnership with Khalifa Fund through the Mizan programme, which has supported 17 Emirati founders this year alone."

The ecosystem also strengthened its international footprint in 2025, deepening partnerships with venture capital firms, corporates and government entities across Hong Kong, Japan, Portugal, India, Ireland and the United States. Hub71 added new sector platforms, including Hub71+ Life Sciences, alongside existing specialist focuses on artificial intelligence, climate technology and digital assets.

Outlook

"This growth reflects the increasing demand from founders to join Hub71, the ambition and quality of the startups within our ecosystem, and the role our partners play in supporting entrepreneurs. Together, these strengths reinforce Hub71’s role in enabling founders to build globally competitive technology companies," said Ahmed Ali Alwan, Chief Executive Officer of Hub71.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Hub71 and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, framed the results as part of a broader economic strategy: "Startups play a vital role in attracting investment, creating jobs and driving long-term growth while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a destination where ambitious technology companies can build, scale and compete globally," he said. The figures signal continued momentum as Hub71 seeks to convert increasing global interest into sustained capital flows and commercial growth across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.