logo

Riyadh ranks 23, up 60 places, among top 100 emerging startup ecosystems globally

Zawya4 days ago

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has made a remarkable achievement in the field of entrepreneurship, with the position of Riyadh, the capital city, advancing 60 places over the past three years, ranking 23rd among the top 100 emerging startup ecosystems globally.
This was revealed in the "Global Startup Ecosystem 2025" report issued by Startup Genome, in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
According to the report, the Kingdom recorded the second-highest performance in the Middle East and North Africa region, ranking third in terms of funding volume and investment value versus impact, while ranking fourth in terms of the availability of skills and expertise, enhancing its ability to attract and retain entrepreneurial talent.
The report highlighted the promising sectors that contributed to these results, most notably artificial intelligence, financial technologies, cybersecurity, smart cities, infrastructure, and digital health, which represent key pillars of the Kingdom's economic transformation plans.
This great progress reflects the Kingdom's rapid growth in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly in terms of venture capital indicators and the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem's infrastructure. This is in addition to the rising levels of innovation and investment in emerging technologies.
This achievement was made possible mainly because of the support and empowerment provided by government agencies in the Kingdom to investors in the sector, including the efforts of the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha'at) to build an integrated entrepreneurial ecosystem through its initiatives and programs that support the growth and expansion of startups and enhance the legislative and regulatory environment for entrepreneurs. This aims to increase the share of these enterprises in the GDP, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
The Startup Genome report was based on data analysis of more than 5 million startups across more than 350 global ecosystems, reviewing the most prominent investment trends and policies that stimulate the success of innovation and entrepreneurship at the international level.
© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE flight suspension updates; 4-day work week in Dubai; Public holiday dates announced; New Saudi dining rules, Piers Morgan interview – 10 things you missed this week
UAE flight suspension updates; 4-day work week in Dubai; Public holiday dates announced; New Saudi dining rules, Piers Morgan interview – 10 things you missed this week

Arabian Business

time4 hours ago

  • Arabian Business

UAE flight suspension updates; 4-day work week in Dubai; Public holiday dates announced; New Saudi dining rules, Piers Morgan interview – 10 things you missed this week

From escalating regional tensions disrupting UAE airline routes to flexible work weeks reshaping the Dubai summer, this week has brought a mix of major developments across the Gulf. Dubai's real estate market continues its record-breaking momentum, while Abu Dhabi quietly asserts itself as a rising investment magnet. Saudi Arabia has unveiled new food transparency rules, the UAE confirmed the Hijri New Year public holiday, and outspoken broadcaster Piers Morgan gave a headline-shifting interview on Gaza, Israel and Trump. Catch up on 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE airline flight suspensions: flydubai, Etihad, Air Arabia and Emirates travel update UAE airlines continue to report suspensions and cancellations of flights as conflict between Israel and Iran impacts airspace and travel. UAE carriers Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Emirates have all announced suspended flights and airports have issued travel advisories amid closed air space and disrupted travel routes in the region. Flights from the UAE carriers to destinations, including Iran, Israel, Russia, Jordan and Iraq have been suspended. See the latest travel news here and check with airlines and updates for live updates. Dubai announces 4-day week and flexible hours for some workers The Dubai Government has announced new working hour rules for employees. Flexible operating hours and a four-day week will be available to some employees throughout the summer as part of an initiative to enhance work-life balance. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announced the implementation of the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative across all Dubai Government entities, following the success of its pilot phase in 2024. UAE announces Hijri New Year holiday for public and private sector The UAE has announced a private sector holiday to mark the Hijri New Year. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that Friday, June 27 will be an official paid holiday for private sector companies in the UAE on the occasion of the new Hijri year 1447 AH. It means a 3-day weekend for many, with an extended break from June 27 to 29. It follows an earlier announcement by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) to designate the same day as a holiday for public sector workers. The FAHR issued a circular to all ministries and federal entities, stating that the Hijri New Year holiday for the year 1447 AH will fall on Friday, June 27, 2025. Saudi Arabia announces major new food and dining rules Saudi Arabia is set to introduce major new food rules and guidelines for restaurant and café menus from July 1. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has announced the imminent implementation of new technical regulations for food. These regulations are designed to enhance food transparency and provide consumers with comprehensive information when dining out, empowering them to make informed nutritional decisions. SFDA noted that starting July 1, 2025, food establishments will be mandated to display detailed nutritional information on their menus. This includes placing a 'saltshaker' label next to meals high in sodium as a clear guide, disclosing the caffeine content of beverages, and indicating the estimated time required to burn off the calories from a meal. The great wealth migration: How Dubai became the world's top millionaire magnet In recent times, Dubai has seen sharp growth in the number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) relocating to the country. The UAE has solidified its position as the top destination for millionaires, with an increasing inflow of wealthy individuals — more than any other country in the world. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Louis Harding, CEO of Betterhomes Dubai, said: 'Wealth is moving where it's treated best. Dubai's appeal to HNWIs lies in a rare combination: zero income tax, political stability, world-class infrastructure, and a strategic location within an 8-hour flight to two-thirds of the world's population. It's not just about escaping taxes — it's about building a secure, global life. The city now offers what few others can: capital preservation, mobility, and clarity in an uncertain world.' According to a recent report by Betterhomes, the UAE emerged as the 14th largest wealth market globally, housing 130,500 dollar millionaires, indicating a 98 per cent surge in the last decade. Piers Morgan on Gaza, Israel and Trump: 'Unacceptable' war must end as global opinion shifts It wasn't a soundbite or a headline that signalled Piers Morgan's evolving stance on Gaza. It was a shift in tone – a colder assessment, a sharper demand for accountability, and a firmer insistence on facts. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Morgan, never one to back away from controversy, appeared less concerned with provocation, and more concerned with principle. For a man long associated with Western media orthodoxy, Morgan's recent commentary on Israel's military campaign has marked a significant pivot. Though he never explicitly said 'I changed my mind,' the message was clear throughout – the facts have changed, and so has he. 'What they're doing now is unjustified, unacceptable, probably illegal – and it needs to stop,' he says of the Israeli military campaign. This statement represents a marked departure for a media figure whose initial reaction to Hamas' October attack reflected the narrative of Israel's 'right to defend itself.' That shift, from supportive understanding to public criticism, mirrors a broader transformation taking place across Western capitals, newsrooms, and public opinion. UAE offers Corporate Tax fine waiver — but deadline looms The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is urging corporate taxpayers across the UAE to register for corporate tax and file returns within the legal deadline to avoid administrative penalties, under a limited-time waiver introduced by Cabinet Decision. The waiver applies to both taxable entities and exempt persons required to register, provided they submit their corporate tax registration and file their first tax return or annual declaration within seven months from the end of their first tax period. The FTA clarified that the exemption from late registration fines only applies to the first tax period, regardless of whether the due date falls before or after the decision came into effect. Dubai real estate: Sales of homes worth more than $2.7m increase tenfold in 4 years; top millionaire neighbourhoods revealed Dubai's prime residential property market has entered its fourth consecutive year of growth, with Savills Middle East reporting sustained increases in both value and volume across the city's most exclusive neighbourhoods. According to the newly released Savills Dubai Prime Residential 2025 report, the number of AED10m+ ($2.7m+) home sales rose from 469 in 2020 to a record-breaking 4,670 in 2024 — a tenfold increase. In Q1 2025 alone, more than 1,300 such properties changed hands, up 31 per cent year-on-year. Dubai real estate: Metro Blue Line to turn infrastructure into wealth generator, says fäm Properties CEO Construction has begun on Dubai's Metro Blue Line expansion, with a property expert predicting the infrastructure project will transform the emirate's urban economy and turn connectivity into real estate currency. Firas Al Msaadi, CEO of fäm Properties, said the Blue Line will have implications for Dubai's real estate market as the city advances its position as a global, liveable, and investable destination. Construction began last week with the laying of the foundation stone for the first station at Dubai Creek Harbour. Abu Dhabi is driving 'significant opportunity' amid UAE real estate surge, experts say While the UAE's real estate spotlight has long been focused on Dubai, Abu Dhabi has been crafting a quieter, yet no less powerful, growth story. In a series of exclusive interviews, leading real estate experts revealed how the capital's property market is becoming a magnet for both domestic and international investors—driven by smart planning, long-term vision, and a wave of infrastructure and lifestyle upgrades. 'Abu Dhabi has surpassed Oslo to become the city with the highest concentration of sovereign wealth,' Ali Ishaq, Head of Residential Agency in Abu Dhabi told Arabian Business.

GCC Approves Unified Tourist Visa, Launch Expected Soon
GCC Approves Unified Tourist Visa, Launch Expected Soon

UAE Moments

time8 hours ago

  • UAE Moments

GCC Approves Unified Tourist Visa, Launch Expected Soon

A major move for Gulf tourism is underway. A single tourist visa covering all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has been officially approved, according to UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. In a recent interview, Al Marri confirmed that the visa is now in the final stages of preparation and will be rolled out once the Ministry of Interior and other relevant authorities complete implementation. One Visa, Six Destinations Once in effect, the unified tourist visa will allow international travelers to explore the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain without the need for separate entry permits for each country. The move is expected to simplify travel across the Gulf, support regional tourism goals, and boost visitor numbers—especially for those who want to experience multiple destinations in a single trip. What's Next? While no official rollout date has been announced, the plan is already in motion. The visa is now with the interior ministries and key agencies across the region for final processing. This step aligns with ongoing efforts to promote the Gulf as a connected tourism hub, making cross-border travel smoother, faster, and more attractive to international tourists.

Money & Me: ‘Raising Dh2 million in funding for my start-up is a milestone'
Money & Me: ‘Raising Dh2 million in funding for my start-up is a milestone'

The National

time11 hours ago

  • The National

Money & Me: ‘Raising Dh2 million in funding for my start-up is a milestone'

For Jennifer Cohan Solal, buying a home in Dubai and raising funds for her UAE-based retail start-up are major financial milestones. The French citizen, 37, who lives on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah with her husband and two children, is chief executive and co-founder of Hushday, a premium flash sales platform. The company offers limited-time flash sales from luxury and premium brands in a members-only space for the digital-first generation. In April, it raised more than Dh2 million ($550,000) in pre-seed funding. Launched just this year, Hushday offers members access to sales across fashion, beauty, accessories, electronics, home and leisure products. The company is already considering plans to grow beyond the UAE and expand operations into Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. 'We're not here to patch a post-Covid inventory issue. We're here to open a new, scalable path for growth for brands who want to reach a younger, price-sensitive, digital audience,' says Ms Solal, who has lived in Dubai for more than two years. 'We found our paradise here as entrepreneurs. There's something very inspiring about the UAE's pace, vision and ambition. It's the best choice we've ever made.' Before moving to the Emirates, Ms Solal worked in fashion and e-commerce sectors for more than 12 years and studied marketing at a French business school. Did wealth feature in your childhood? What did you learn from it? I grew up in a fairly privileged environment. Both my parents were doctors, but nothing was handed to them. They arrived in France from Algeria with nothing, and built their lives through hard work and education. That influenced me the most, seeing first-hand how much it takes to succeed and how deeply independence and resilience are rooted in our family culture. So even though we never lacked anything, my parents always told me to be careful and thoughtful about money, and above all, to rely on myself. That mix of stability and drive has shaped every decision I've made. How did you first earn? My first job was with a start-up when I was 18. I launched a luxury concierge service company in Paris by procuration for a woman who had an amazing idea, but no time to execute it. So, I did everything from A to Z for her and gained more recognition and experience than money. I enjoyed the feeling of autonomy, the sense that if I wanted something, I had the power to go out and make it happen. My first real job was with The Other Store, and my job was to create and manage e-commerce websites for brands. I was 20 years old and got paid €1,000 ($1,154) a month. Any early financial jolts? The biggest financial setback was when I left the corporate world to launch my first start-up, L'Ultime, in Paris. I call it the first digital native vertical brand in pastry. Although the brand gained strong visibility in France, the media attention was incredible and the revenue looked exciting, I quickly learnt the difference between revenue and profit and between brand hype and sustainable growth. So, it was humbling, but also an incredible experience. I met a lot of inspiring people and understood the deeper mechanics of running a business. It made me a stronger and responsible entrepreneur. How do you grow your wealth? I'm in reinvestment mode, so I pour most of my capital into building a long-term vision for Hushday. I have also invested in Dubai real estate. My husband and I purchased a villa on Palm Jumeirah two years ago. We also have property investments in France. Are you a spender or a saver? I'm more of a spender now, but spend consciously. I invest in my business, in quality experiences with my family and in our lifestyle. But I aspire to become more of a saver in the years to come because I want to build a legacy and create a financial foundation that brings freedom, not stress. Have you been wise with money? Yes, I've always been careful with money. I don't take reckless risks such as big spending sprees or flashy purchases, apart from the occasional luxuries I need during sales or beautiful family trips. I've never lived beyond my means. I was raised to be intentional with money and that has stayed with me. Even now as I build my company, I make sure that every dirham I spend serves a purpose and receives a return on investment. What has been your best investment? My best investment was on my own education and self-development, in my children's education and in Dubai. We love this city and feel aligned with its energy and ambition. We are committed to creating something meaningful here for our family and the ecosystem. Any cherished purchases? Yes, everything in our home is a cherished purchase. All items, from the furniture to the decorations, have been chosen with intention. I spent a lot of time and energy to build our home. I love the feeling when people walk in and say it doesn't feel like a house, but a home. Every morning, my husband and I almost cry when we wake up and see the sun and sea in front of us. How do you feel about money? Money is just a consequence, it's not a goal. It gives you freedom, but it doesn't define success. For me, what matters most is creating an impact, leaving a mark and building something lasting. Being the richest person in the cemetery never interested me. I want to do something that lives beyond me and make my children and family proud. Any financial advice for your younger self? Start saving earlier, not out of fear, but to gain freedom. Understand that money buys you time, leverage and peace of mind. Use it to invest in skills, ideas and people who elevate you. Never confuse visibility with value. Also understand that growth is quiet, but compounding is magic. Any key financial milestones? Raising our first round of funding for Hushday was huge, not just because of the capital but the confidence it signalled from people who believe in our vision. Another milestone was buying our home in Dubai before we moved here from Paris. It was a statement of trust in ourselves, in our family and in the life we're choosing to build here. What luxuries are important to you? Spending quality time with family and friends, discovering new places and getting lost in different cultures. When we will eventually be free from work, my husband and I plan to do a world tour. So, it's not always about price, but about the richness of experience and emotions. What are your financial goals? Financial independence is non-negotiable. But right now, my main focus is on creating value and building Hushday into the future leader of premium private sales in the Gulf region. I want to create strong returns for investors and build a brand that resonates across borders.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store