ABU DHABI HUB71 SEES RECORD STARTUP APPLICATIONS AS 2030 GROWTH STRATEGY ACCELERATES

Abu Dhabi Hub71 is experiencing unprecedented global interest as startup applications reach record levels, highlighting the UAE capital’s growing ambition to establish itself as a leading international technology and innovation destination.

According to Mohammed Alkoori of Hub71, the Abu Dhabi-based technology ecosystem has already received around 6,000 startup applications this year, significantly exceeding its historical annual average of approximately 5,000 applications.

Speaking to Arabian Business on the sidelines of the Al Ain Future Business Forum for Economic Growth, Alkoori said demand from international founders seeking to establish and scale their businesses from Abu Dhabi has increased substantially.

“At Hub71, we’re seeing growing global demand from startups looking to build from Abu Dhabi,” Alkoori said. “Historically, we’ve received around 5,000 applications per year. This year alone, we’ve already received 6,000 applications.”

The surge reflects the growing role of Abu Dhabi’s technology sector within the emirate’s broader economic diversification strategy. The capital is increasingly seeking to attract technology companies, entrepreneurs, investors and specialised talent as it develops new sources of long-term economic growth.

Founded in March 2019, Hub71 was established as a cornerstone initiative under Abu Dhabi’s Ghadan 21 accelerator programme. Its name pays tribute to the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.

Since its establishment, Hub71 has sought to create an environment where technology companies can access capital, markets, expertise and regulatory support while developing businesses with global ambitions.

The sharp increase in applications indicates that Abu Dhabi’s proposition is gaining traction among founders outside the UAE who are looking for opportunities to expand internationally.

The rise in startup applications is also occurring alongside increased interest from institutional and corporate investors.

Alkoori said the quality of companies entering the ecosystem is helping attract greater attention from investors seeking opportunities in Abu Dhabi.

“The calibre of startups building from Abu Dhabi is attracting greater investor interest. We’re also seeing more corporate investors looking to Abu Dhabi for opportunities,” he said.

While international companies remain an important part of the ecosystem, Abu Dhabi Hub71 is also focusing on developing domestic entrepreneurial talent.

The Initiate Programme is designed to support Emirati technology entrepreneurs during the early stages of building their businesses. Through the programme, founders can connect with experienced venture builders and gain access to support designed to help transform early-stage ideas into scalable companies.

Alkoori said the objective is to create more opportunities for Emirati founders to build ambitious technology businesses.

Another important element of Abu Dhabi’s strategy is encouraging international companies to establish meaningful operations in the emirate rather than maintaining only regional sales offices.

Alkoori said the ambition is for international startups arriving in Abu Dhabi to establish lasting foundations and make the emirate an integral part of their long-term growth.

Health-tech company BioSapien was highlighted as an example of an international venture developing deeper roots in Abu Dhabi.

The company specialises in localised and targeted chemotherapy delivery platforms designed to reduce systemic side effects for cancer patients.

According to Alkoori, BioSapien is approaching $10 million in funding, reflecting the progress it has made.

The company’s development also illustrates the potential relationship between Abu Dhabi’s healthcare infrastructure, regulatory environment and technology ecosystem.

The comments from Hub71 came during the Al Ain Future Business Forum for Economic Growth, which brought together government officials, policymakers, investors and industry representatives.

The forum focused on sustainable economic development in Abu Dhabi’s eastern region and highlighted sectors including agritech, logistics, health-tech and advanced manufacturing.

The emphasis on Al Ain is significant because Abu Dhabi’s diversification strategy extends beyond the capital city. Developing economic opportunities across different parts of the emirate could help create a more geographically diversified economy while allowing individual regions to specialise in sectors suited to their infrastructure and resources.

As Abu Dhabi moves towards its 2030 economic objectives, the ability to attract high-growth startups while encouraging them to establish long-term operations could become an increasingly important part of the emirate’s diversification efforts.

The latest application figures suggest that international interest is accelerating. The challenge ahead will be to translate that interest into sustainable companies, investment, innovation and economic activity across Abu Dhabi.

For Abu Dhabi Hub71, the growing pipeline of global founders provides an expanding base from which the emirate can develop its technology ambitions and strengthen its position as an international hub for entrepreneurship, investment and innovation.