Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global technology ecosystem, announced that startups in its community have raised over $2.7 billion (Dh9.9 billion) in funding and generated revenues of $1.5 billion (Dh5.4 billion) by the end of 2025, marking another milestone in Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a leading destination for high-growth technology companies.
The figures, published in Hub71’s annual 2025 Impact Report, demonstrate a maturing start-up base with increased access to capital, customers and international markets. In 2025, the Hub71 startup secured funding of $599 million (Dh2.2 billion), generated revenue of $175 million (Dh645 million), and extended the period of sustainable growth for the entire ecosystem.
Since 2019, Hub71’s community has grown to 390 startups, 295 of which are supported through Hub71’s programs, which connect founders with investors, companies, regulators, talent and strategic partners. Its growth reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to build a more diversified, innovation-driven economy by attracting companies from the emirate with the potential to expand into global markets.
The demand for founders continued to grow in 2025. Hub71 received over 5,000 startup applications, an increase of 62% year-on-year, and welcomed 52 startups into the community. The increase reflects growing international interest in Abu Dhabi as a hub for companies seeking capital, commercial access and expansion opportunities across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Beyond the funding, Hub71 startups have signed corporate deals worth $244 million (Dh897 million) from 2022 to 2025, including 3,000 in 2025. 7 million (Ah137 million), which reflects Hub71’s growing role in connecting founders with corporate partnerships and stakeholders needed to accelerate market adoption.
Ahmed Jassim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Hub71 and Abu Dhabi Economic Development Authority (ADDED), said: “Hub71’s performance reflects the sustained progress Abu Dhabi is making in building a more competitive, innovation-driven economy. Start-ups contribute to investment and long-term growth, while reinforcing 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 the Hub71 community, which now spans over 390 startups and over 200 partners. , the growing attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as a destination for founders, the caliber and ambition of Hub71’s entrepreneurs, and the strength of the ecosystem partners who support them. Together, these factors strengthen Hub71’s position.” A platform that allows founders to build globally relevant technology startups from Abu Dhabi. ”
Hub71’s progress in 2025 was also shaped by its expanded international reach. Throughout the year, Hub71 deepened its engagement with venture capital firms, corporates and government partners across key markets including Hong Kong, Japan, Portugal, India, Ireland and the US, creating new commercial and investment opportunities for start-ups starting from Abu Dhabi.
To further strengthen its offer to international high-growth companies, Hub71 launched an immersion program in 2025. The program brings high-potential international startups to Abu Dhabi for hands-on work on market entry, regulatory frameworks and commercialization, helping them establish a base in the emirate for regional and global expansion. In 2025, the program welcomed cohorts from Hong Kong and Japan through partnerships with HSITP, Cyberport, MTR Lab, and JETRO.
As part of its specialized ecosystem strategy, Hub71 launched Hub71+ Life Sciences in 2025, joining Hub71+ AI, Hub71+ ClimateTech and Hub71+ Digital Assets. This new vertical is also aligned with Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic priorities and will support founders, investors, research institutions and industry partners working in healthcare innovation, biotechnology and advanced life sciences.
The 2025 Impact Report demonstrates the growing contribution of Hub71 and its startup community to Abu Dhabi’s innovation economy. Hub71 supports startups to scale globally from Abu Dhabi, creating economic value for the UAE by connecting entrepreneurs with capital, markets, talent and international expansion.
