Startup Genome, in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network, has released its flagship report in its 13th year - the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) - today at VivaTech, Paris. Widely regarded as the world’s most comprehensive research on startup ecosystems, the GSER leverages the largest quality-controlled dataset in the industry, analyzing data from over 5 million companies across 350+ entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems worldwide.
In collaboration with Hub71, Abu Dhabi is featured in the #GSER2025. Key highlights include:
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Ranking as the #51-60 Emerging Ecosystem, moving up from #61-70 from GSER 2024
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Amid a global decline of 14%, the ecosystem created $4.4 billion in Ecosystem Value in GSER 2025 July 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024, representing 6% compound annual growth compared to GSER 2023 July 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022 time period. Ecosystem Value is a measure of economic impact, calculated as the value of exits and startup valuations.
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#3 MENA Ecosystem in Performance — measures the size and performance of an ecosystem based on the accumulated tech startup value created from exits and funding
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#4 MENA Ecosystem in Knowledge — measures innovation through research and patent activity
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#5 MENA Ecosystem in Funding — measures innovation through early-stage funding and investor’s activity
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#5 MENA Ecosystem in Talent & Experience — measures long-term trends over the most significant performance factors and the ability to generate and keep talent in the ecosystem
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Top 10 MENA Ecosystem in Bang for Buck — measures the amount of runway tech startups acquire, on average, from a VC round
Sectoral drivers of startup growth in Abu Dhabi: Fintech, Climatetech, and Digital Assets are key strengths of Abu Dhabi’s startup ecosystem, supported by regulatory frameworks, sovereign investment, and sector-specific infrastructure. In 2024–2025, developments such as ADGM’s licensing expansion, multimillion-dollar venture funding, and strategic partnerships in sustainable finance and blockchain technology signal coordinated efforts to foster innovation across emerging high-impact sub-sectors.
Why startups choose Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi offers structural advantages for startup expansion through expanded long-term visa options for investors and skilled professionals, streamlined business registration under new federal regulations, and targeted government funding in sectors such as AI and fintech. In 2025, initiatives like the MZN HUB and enhanced visa accessibility signaled a coordinated policy effort to support globally connected innovation.
This year’s report delivers fresh insights on the world’s leading innovation ecosystems, highlighting key trends, investment flows, and policy strategies driving entrepreneurial success. It features rankings of the Top 40 global startup ecosystems and Top 100 emerging ecosystems, along with regional rankings. Built on over a decade of Startup Genome’s independent research and policy expertise, and driven by a consortium of representatives spanning 65+ countries, the report provides a data-rich analysis of startup activity and investment patterns. It provides actionable guidance for policymakers, ecosystem leaders, and founders to develop evidence-based strategies that strengthen startup communities - the world’s most powerful engine of job creation and economic growth.
“Abu Dhabi’s rise in the global rankings is a testament to the exceptional pace and cohesion of its innovation ecosystem, with Hub71 at the heart of this transformation. Amid a global downturn in startup ecosystem value, Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision is beginning to pay off - demonstrating bold leadership and collaborative strength. We expect this momentum to continue, with Abu Dhabi poised to grow at a faster rate than many global peers in the years ahead.” says Samantha Evans, Managing Director MENA, Startup Genome.
View the full report here - https://startupgenome.com/gser2025
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