Abu Dhabi's ambition to become a global technology powerhouse gained further momentum as startups within the Hub71 ecosystem surpassed $2.7 billion (AED9.9 billion) in cumulative funding and generated more than $1.5 billion in revenue by the end of 2025, according to the ecosystem's latest impact report.
The milestone underscores the rapid evolution of Abu Dhabi's startup landscape, with Hub71 emerging as a key platform for attracting and scaling high-growth technology companies from around the world.
Data from Hub71's 2025 Impact Report showed that startups in the ecosystem secured $599 million in fresh funding during 2025 alone, while generating $175 million in revenue, highlighting continued investor confidence and growing commercial success across the community.
Since its launch in 2019, Hub71 has expanded into a network of 390 startups, including 295 ventures supported through its programmes, which provide founders with access to investors, corporate partners, regulators, talent and strategic networks.
The growth reflects Abu Dhabi's broader push to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons by fostering innovation-led industries and creating an environment where startups can scale regionally and globally.
Interest from entrepreneurs continued to accelerate last year. Hub71 received more than 5,000 startup applications in 2025, representing a 62% year-on-year increase, and admitted 52 new startups into its community. The surge in applications points to Abu Dhabi's growing appeal as a launchpad for companies targeting opportunities across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
The ecosystem is also helping startups convert innovation into business opportunities. Between 2022 and 2025, Hub71-supported companies secured $244 million worth of corporate deals, including $37 million signed in 2025, demonstrating increasing demand for their technologies and Hub71's effectiveness in connecting founders with major customers and industry partners.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Hub71 and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said: "Hub71’s performance reflects the sustained progress Abu Dhabi is achieving in building a more competitive, innovation-led economy. Startups are contributing to investment and long-term growth, while strengthening the emirate’s position as a place where ambitious technology companies can build, scale and compete globally.”
Ahmad Ali Alwan, Chief Executive Officer of Hub71, said: "2025 was a year of meaningful progress for Hub71's community, which now spans more than 390 startups and over 200 partners. The growth of our community reflects the increasing appeal of Abu Dhabi as a destination for founders, the calibre and ambition of the entrepreneurs at Hub71, and the strength of the ecosystem partners supporting them. Together, these factors reinforce Hub71's position as a platform that enables founders to build globally relevant tech startups from Abu Dhabi."
Hub71’s 2025 progress was also shaped by its expanding international reach. Throughout the year, Hub71 deepened engagement with venture capital firms, corporates and government partners across key markets including Hong Kong, Japan, Portugal, India, Ireland and the United States, creating new commercial and investment opportunities for startups building from Abu Dhabi.
To further strengthen its offer for international high-growth companies, Hub71 launched its Immersion Programme in 2025. The programme brings high-potential international startups to Abu Dhabi for hands-on engagement on market entry, regulatory frameworks and commercialisation, helping them establish a base in the emirate for regional and global expansion. In 2025, the programme welcomed cohorts from Hong Kong and Japan through partnerships with HSITP, Cyberport, MTR Lab and JETRO.
As part of its specialist ecosystem strategy, Hub71 also launched Hub71+ Life Sciences in 2025, joining Hub71+ AI, Hub71+ ClimateTech and Hub71+ Digital Assets. The new vertical also aligns with Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic priorities and supports founders, investors, research institutions and industry partners working across healthcare innovation, biotechnology and advanced life sciences. -TradeArabia News Service
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