Brief
UAE new‑economy firms hit 125,000, up 37% in first half of 2026
The surge reflects the UAE's push to become a global hub for AI, fintech and green technologies by 2030.
By Felo News Desk · Published
UAE Economy and Tourism Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri told WAM on the sidelines of Investopia Bridge 2026 in Abu Dhabi that the number of new‑economy firms in the country reached almost 125,000 at the end of the first half of 2026, a rise of about 37 percent from a year earlier.
He defined new‑economy firms as businesses built on technology, knowledge and innovation rather than traditional trade or hydrocarbons. The sector now includes artificial intelligence, digital economy, e‑commerce, renewable energy, circular‑economy solutions, fintech, smart mobility and digital media.
Al Marri said AI is viewed as a cross‑cutting tool that boosts manufacturing productivity, logistics, financial services, tourism and energy efficiency. The growth aligns with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in November 2022, which aims to make the UAE a global hub for advanced technologies by 2030.
Investopia, the government‑run investment platform co‑chaired by Al Marri, is also expanding its focus on Africa, having signed more than 32 partnership agreements since its launch and committing over $110 billion to African projects between 2019 and 2023.
Key facts
- New‑economy firms in the UAE reached nearly 125,000 by mid‑2026, up 37 % YoY. (gulfnews.com)
- The sector includes AI, fintech, green tech, e‑commerce, renewable energy and smart mobility. (gulfnews.com)
- Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri presented the figures at Investopia Bridge 2026 in Abu Dhabi. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “UAE's New-Economy Firms Surge 37% to 125,000 Amid Tech and AI Growth”
