Looking ahead, bin Touq noted that the UAE’s target for the next decade is reaching 2 million companies
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, revealed on Tuesday that 250,000 new companies joined the UAE market in 2025.
During a media briefing on Federal Decree Law No. 20 of 2025, which introduces significant amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, bin Touq added that the total number of companies operating in the UAE rose to 1.4 million by the end of 2025, representing a growth of 119 percent.
The minister also explained that the UAE attracted more than 760,000 new companies since the introduction of full foreign ownership of commercial companies in 2021.
Looking ahead, bin Touq noted that the UAE’s target for the next decade is reaching 2 million companies.
On the participation of UAE citizens, the Minister of Economy and Tourism revealed that the number of small businesses owned by UAE nationals increased by 63 percent over the past five years.
Read| UAE GDP growth forecast raised to 5 percent for 2026 as total foreign trade set to surpass $1 trillion: Standard Chartered
The growth across the UAE’s business environment is attributed to several factors, including supportive regulations, strong economic growth, strategic geographic positioning, robust infrastructure, increased foreign direct investment, economic diversification and expanded global trade partnerships.
Over the past two decades, the UAE has undergone a structural transformation towards a diversified, knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy, reducing reliance on oil and strengthening its role as a global hub for trade, investment and finance.
Gross domestic product rose by AED858 billion between 2006 and 2024, hitting more than AED1.776 trillion. Non-oil GDP recorded growth of 5.7 percent in the first half of 2025, with non-oil activities contributing 77.5 percent of total GDP.
Non-oil foreign trade expanded from AED415 billion in 2006 to more than AED2.9 trillion in 2024, a growth exceeding 590 percent. This performance was supported by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) program launched in 2021, under which 26 agreements covering 53 countries have been concluded.
Foreign direct investment inflows also rose from AED47 billion in 2006 to AED168 billion in 2024. According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2025, the UAE ranked second globally in 2024 for the number of new FDI projects, reflecting strong international confidence in the country’s business environment.
Development across key pillars of the UAE economy has cemented the nation’s position as a highly sought-after destination for foreign companies. Pro-business government policies, an innovation-friendly ecosystem and broader macroeconomic stability have not only attracted international investors but also empowered residents and citizens to establish and scale their companies locally, underscoring the UAE’s growing role as a long-term global business hub.
Read more on Economy Middle East
