Abu Dhabi a great launchpad for startups to succeed
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)Hub71 has brought the Google for Startups Accelerator Program to Abu Dhabi, underlining on the UAE capital's ambition to become a launchpad for AI-driven companies with global scale. Tailored for 25 high-potential startups within the Hub71 ecosystem, the programme offers a robust three-month course focused on scalable growth strategies and optimising business models. As part of the collaboration, startups across the broader Hub71 community will also gain access to Google Cloud credits, with top performers in line to receive up to $300,000 in credits – the highest tier of credits offered globally.Google will also provide participating startups with tailored growth playbooks and access to its global mentor network, connecting founders with seasoned experts and industry leaders. In an interview with Aletihad, Hub71 CEO Ahmed Alwan noted that this partnership builds on the momentum of Hub71+AI, an initiative launched last year to accelerate the development of Abu Dhabi's AI ecosystem. This programme supports Hub71's mission to provide AI startups with everything they need to scale from Abu Dhabi, including world-class mentorship, technical support and cloud infrastructure, he added.Alwan added that the collaboration with Google sends a strong signal about Abu Dhabi's appeal to businesses with global ambitions.He cited the emirate's strong connectivity, regulatory agility and significant capital base, with $2 trillion in assets under management.Doron Avni, Google's Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Policy for Emerging Markets, lauded Abu Dhabi as a "great launchpad for startups to succeed". He noted that a recent study by the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government, supported by Google, confirmed that Abu Dhabi offers a cohesive AI ecosystem, backed by world-class infrastructure, a supportive regulatory environment and an AI-first government.He also cited research by PwC, projecting that AI will inject $320 billion into the Middle East economy by 2030. In the UAE, other He added that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are poised to play a key role in the UAE's AI-driven economic growth.By 2030, the UAE could be home to about 1 million SMEs, forming both a growing business segment and a potential customer base for AI startups, Avni explained.Tim Messerschmidt, Google's Head of Developer Ecosystems in EMEA, highlighted the global success of the Google for Startups Accelerator, which has supported over 1,700 startups since 2016. Among them are 19 unicorns – privately held startups valued at over $1 billion – and one decacorn, a company that has reached a $10 billion valuation."But what's even more humbling… is actually the 97% survival rate. These companies still thrive and build and provide so many economic opportunities," Messerschmidt said.Looking ahead, Alwan noted that Hub71 aims to deepen its role as a gateway for high-potential startups to scale from Abu Dhabi, with a focus on AI and other strategic sectors that align with national priorities.
Last year, Hub71 received over 3,000 startup applications, selecting only around 50 to join its highly competitive programme, according to Alwan.
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