Dubai has emerged as a thriving hub for startups, with its open business environment and numerous free zones attracting entrepreneurs from around the world. The city is home to over 350,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which contribute to approximately 40% of Dubai’s GDP and employ over 40% of the workforce. As of last year, the United Arab Emirates ranks 11th in ease of doing business and 25th in starting a business, according to the World Bank’s report. With so many emerging players in the industry, we tried ranking the most impactful of those startups, here are some of the top startups in Dubai ranked:
1. The Luxury Closet – The Luxury Closet is an online marketplace for buying and selling pre-owned luxury items such as handbags, shoes, watches, and accessories. The platform provides a trusted and convenient way for users to shop for luxury products at competitive prices.
2. Souqalmal – Souqalmal is a leading financial comparison website in the Middle East. It offers a wide range of financial products and services, including insurance, banking products, credit cards, and loans. Users can compare and choose the best options based on their needs and preferences.
3. Seez – Seez is an automotive marketplace app that allows users to buy, sell, and rent cars. It provides a streamlined and transparent platform for car buyers and sellers, offering features like price comparison, vehicle history reports, and direct communication with sellers.
4. Bekia – Bekia is a waste management startup that aims to revolutionize waste disposal and recycling in Dubai. The company offers smart waste bins equipped with sensors that optimize waste collection routes and enable efficient waste management practices.
5. Arabia Startzplay – Arabia Startzplay is an entertainment platform that offers on-demand streaming services for Arabic TV shows, movies, and documentaries. It caters specifically to the Arabic-speaking audience and provides a wide range of content across various genres.
6. Noon – Noon is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the Middle East, offering a wide range of products across categories such as electronics, fashion, beauty, home appliances, and more. It provides a seamless online shopping experience to customers in the region.
7. Avidbeam – Avidbeam is a technology startup specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions. The company focuses on developing AI-powered video analytics software for surveillance and security applications.
8. Ziwo – Ziwo is a cloud-based contact center software provider that offers a comprehensive suite of communication tools for businesses. Their platform enables companies to manage customer interactions efficiently through features like call routing, real-time analytics, and integration with CRM systems.
9. Almentor – Almentor is an e-learning platform that provides online courses and video lectures across various topics, including personal development, business, technology, and more. The platform aims to enhance skills and knowledge through high-quality educational content.
10. Unifonic – Unifonic is a cloud communications platform that offers a range of messaging and voice solutions for businesses. Their services include SMS marketing, voice broadcasting, two-way messaging, and other communication tools for engaging with customers.
These startups span various sectors, such as luxury retail, financial services, automotive, waste management, entertainment, e-commerce, and technology. Dubai’s startup ecosystem is ranked first in the UAE, second in the Middle East, and 58th globally, with a population of 2 million to 10 million people. The city has witnessed notable startup success stories, including Altibbi, and is ranked within the top 100 startup ecosystems globally.
Dubai’s strategic location and business-friendly policies make it an ideal destination for Indian startups looking to expand into the Middle East and global markets. The UAE has been ranked first globally as the best ecosystem for startups and entrepreneurs in last year’s report, ahead of the Netherlands and Finland. This thriving startup scene is a testament to Dubai’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.