Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, operating under Dubai Chambers, has announced significant achievements in 2024, supporting the establishment and expansion of 1,210 digital startups in Dubai. This marks a 120% increase compared to 2023, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading destination for digital entrepreneurs and startups in key technology sectors.
The chamber also trained 1,333 Emiratis in mobile app development fundamentals, reflecting a 170% year-on-year growth. This initiative is part of ‘Create Apps in Dubai,’ launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to train 1,000 Emiratis, triple the number of app developers in Dubai by 2025, and support 100 new national mobile app projects.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, highlighted the chamber’s efforts to position Dubai as a global leader in the digital economy. He emphasized the importance of fostering digital startups, enhancing advanced technology sectors, and sustaining initiatives that empower national talent in smart applications. He also reiterated the chamber’s commitment to strengthening Dubai’s regulatory framework and business ecosystem to support companies specializing in future technologies.
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy organized 20 international roadshows in 2024 to showcase Dubai’s digital landscape and investment potential. It also hosted the 2024 edition of Expand North Star in collaboration with Dubai World Trade Centre, attracting over 1,800 startups, 1,200 investors from 100 countries managing over $1 trillion in assets, and 65 unicorn companies with a combined market value exceeding $400 billion. The event saw record-breaking participation, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global hub for startups and investors.
As part of ‘Create Apps in Dubai,’ the chamber organized the App Competition, receiving over 1,100 submissions from 64 countries. UAE participants accounted for 70% of entries, and 247 ideas were shortlisted, culminating in 12 finalists competing in the final round. The competition aims to position Dubai as a leading hub for mobile app development and attract top global talent to the emirate.
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy’s ‘Business in Dubai’ platform continued to support companies looking to establish or expand operations in Dubai. The platform, in collaboration with 77 partners, provides a comprehensive range of business-matching services to connect startups with investors, partners, and customers.
In 2024, the chamber organized 21 business events to empower startups, nurture talent, and strengthen partnerships. It also signed 12 MoUs with regional and international entities to enhance cooperation in digital economy sectors and published six economic reports reflecting the resilience and growth of Dubai’s digital ecosystem.