Dubai, UAE – The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has announced a significant achievement in supporting 215 high-potential digital startups to establish and grow in the emirate during the first half of 2024. This marks a 212% year-over-year growth compared to the 69 companies supported during the same period in the previous year. The combined market value of these companies amounts to approximately US$ 7 billion.
As part of its ‘Create Apps in Dubai’ initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Chamber trained 243 Emiratis in the first six months of 2024. This initiative aims to strengthen digital capabilities in the UAE, with a goal to train 1,000 Emiratis and triple the number of app developers in Dubai by 2025.
The Chamber also organized 12 international roadshows to promote Expand North Star, the world’s largest gathering of startups and investors, scheduled for October. Additionally, it strengthened its presence by participating in 15 local and international events during the first half of the year.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, emphasized the Chamber’s commitment to positioning Dubai as the global capital of the digital economy. This effort is part of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to generate AED 100 billion annually for the emirate’s economy through digital transformation projects.
The ‘Create Apps in Dubai’ initiative is focused on creating a strong digital infrastructure, establishing a supportive legislative framework, and providing government incentives to accelerate the sector’s growth. The Chamber signed four MoUs during H1 2024 to enhance Dubai’s digital business ecosystem, including a strategic partnership with Enterprise Ireland.
Furthermore, the Chamber published two reports in the first half of the year on the success rate of scaleups in Dubai and the FDI landscape in MENA, reflecting its ongoing efforts to support the digital sector.