Dubai Strengthens Position as Hub for Unicorn Companies, Digital Innovation, Executives Say

Leaders of Dubai-based unicorn companies have lauded the emirate as a global hub for digital innovation, citing its forward-looking regulatory environment, advanced infrastructure, and access to international talent.

Senior executives said Dubai has become a launchpad for fast-growing companies, offering an agile environment that supports innovation and expansion into regional and global markets.

“Dubai’s digital ecosystem has been a major enabler of our growth. The city offers a strong combination of forward-looking regulation, world-class infrastructure, access to exceptional talent, and a business environment that makes it easier to build, test, and scale quickly,” said Mohamad Ballout, CEO and Co-founder of Kitopi. “Its connectivity to regional and global markets has also been critical as we’ve expanded our ambitions beyond the UAE.”

Fernando Fanton, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Property Finder, said Dubai offers an ecosystem shaped by initiatives such as the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the Dubai Digital Strategy, which he said support innovation and scaling efforts.

“Milestones such as the 100% paperless government, the growth of AI and Web3 in real estate, and forward-looking programs under the Dubai Digital Strategy demonstrate how the city not only simplifies business but empowers companies, investors, and regulators alike to make intelligence-led decisions, maximize impact, and expand globally,” he added. “For tech leaders and innovators seeking to scale, Dubai offers the structure, momentum, and insights to turn ambition into tangible growth.”

Business leaders also pointed to strong cooperation between government and the private sector, supported by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy under Dubai Chambers, saying clear regulations and access to decision-makers are helping companies scale and sustain growth.

Roman Axelrod, Founder and Managing Partner at XPANCEO, said Dubai’s tax incentives, infrastructure, and government support have contributed to its attractiveness, adding that the emirate’s focus on deep tech, science, and AI has been particularly important for complex businesses.

“Dubai has become a unique global crossroads where business, science, and government operate in true synergy, providing the fertile ground necessary to scale intricate, high-stakes innovations. We experience this firsthand,” Axelrod said. “Collaboration with Dubai Chambers, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, and the University of Dubai, as well as participation in major international tech conferences and access to global talent, allows us to scale at a pace that would take years elsewhere.”

He added, “While regional events may unsettle more volatile markets, Dubai remains steady. Its ambition, scale, and strategic investments in the ‘long game,’ including pioneering global AI research, building deep tech infrastructure, and institutionalising innovation, ensure that its growth remains sustainable.”