Dubai, the Third City in the World for Startup Launch

In the new global ranking, Dubai has been introduced as the third most startup-friendly city in the world. This ranking indicates that Dubai has become one of the main destinations for entrepreneurs and startups globally.

The Startup-Friendly Cities Index 2026, published by the global platform MultiPlatinum, ranks Dubai after San Francisco and Zurich, and ahead of cities like London, Paris, and New York. This ranking is based on the evaluation of the startup ecosystem in 60 countries and the ranking of the top 28 cities.

Dubai has scored high in the speed of company registration and the efficiency of regulations. According to this report, founders can launch their businesses in less than a week, which is faster than many global centers. The combination of competitive taxes, advanced digital infrastructure, and Dubai's international environment has made this city an attractive option for global entrepreneurs.

In terms of talent attraction and quality of life, Dubai has performed better than cities like San Francisco, Tokyo, London, Paris, and New York. This indicates Dubai's strength in retaining international professionals. Residency programs, financial zones like DIFC and Abu Dhabi Global Market, and advanced digital governance are key factors in Dubai's success in this area.

However, the report notes that Dubai still lags behind in terms of the number of unicorn companies and the depth of venture capital investment compared to more mature ecosystems. Singapore ranked fourth and Seoul seventh, indicating a shift in the geography of innovation towards the East. London and Paris rank eighth and tenth, facing challenges such as high costs and bureaucracy.

Source: ARN News