Is Abu Dhabi a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Abu Dhabi has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Abu Dhabi gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Abu Dhabi

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Abu Dhabi offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Abu Dhabi's early-stage funding scene is increasingly active, driven by a strong government push for economic diversification. Initiatives like Hub71 and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) offer grants and support programs, acting as significant launchpads for local and international founders. Notable VC firms like Shorooq Partners, Mubadala Capital, and 500 Global are active in the early rounds, alongside groups like the Emirates Angels Investors Association. However, challenges persist, including high competition and navigating regulatory complexities. While overall startup funding in Abu Dhabi has remained stable recently, securing that initial seed capital can still be tricky for founders without established networks.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Abu Dhabi has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Abu Dhabi is actively cultivating a vibrant startup and innovation ecosystem. The city features numerous coworking spaces, acting as hubs for networking and collaboration. A variety of tech events and conferences are held regularly, fostering entrepreneurial activity and connecting founders with investors and mentors. The ecosystem, significantly supported by government initiatives like Hub71 and ADIO, provides resources, funding, and mentorship. While standardized programs exist, there is also a focus on providing tailored support and resources to both early-stage and growth-stage startups, indicating a move towards personalized assistance within the broader ecosystem.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Abu Dhabi can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Abu Dhabi, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Abu Dhabi is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Abu Dhabi has a growing availability of talent for startups, supported by strong educational institutions like UAE University, Khalifa University, and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), which contribute to a skilled workforce. The ecosystem fosters industry-specific skills, particularly in high-demand sectors such as AI, FinTech, and advanced technology, with initiatives focused on upskilling local talent. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through government programs like Emiratisation and initiatives from entities like Khalifa Fund and Hub71, which provide training, funding, and networking opportunities. The availability of a diverse and skilled workforce, partly attracted by a high standard of living and favorable visa programs, is a key factor in Abu Dhabi's appeal as a startup hub.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Abu Dhabi can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Abu Dhabi boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Abu Dhabi offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring world-class infrastructure like free zones and co-working spaces. Key support systems include access to funding, mentorship, and global networks provided by entities like Hub71 and ADGM. Government initiatives, such as the Ghadan 21 program and Golden Visas, provide financial incentives, streamlined licensing, and attract talent. This integrated support helps businesses thrive by facilitating easier setup, access to capital, market entry, and a favorable regulatory environment, positioning Abu Dhabi as a rapidly growing startup hub.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Abu Dhabi. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Abu Dhabi Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Abu Dhabi provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Abu Dhabi may face several challenges. Competition is significant in the UAE's dynamic market, requiring strong differentiation. The cost of living and doing business, including office space and salaries, can be high, impacting operational costs. Navigating the regulatory landscape can be complex, involving understanding licensing, compliance with commercial and employment laws, and potentially intellectual property protection. While the government is supportive, dealing with legal requirements and obtaining necessary permits can be time-consuming and costly.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Abu Dhabi or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Abu Dhabi offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash