Abu Dhabi’s global technology ecosystem Hub71 has selected 27 startups for its Cohort 18, marking a significant milestone as the program welcomes its first entirely international intake of companies.
The selected startups represent a diverse range of technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, fintech, climate technology, healthtech, enterprise software, digital infrastructure, and emerging technology solutions. The cohort reflects Hub71’s growing international appeal and Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to establish itself as a leading destination for global innovation and entrepreneurship.
Through the program, participating startups will gain access to Hub71’s extensive ecosystem, including funding opportunities, mentorship, corporate partnerships, investor networks, regulatory support, and market access initiatives designed to help companies scale within the UAE and expand across regional and global markets.
The international composition of the cohort highlights Abu Dhabi’s increasing success in attracting high-growth technology ventures from around the world. The emirate has invested heavily in creating an innovation-friendly environment supported by advanced digital infrastructure, progressive regulations, access to capital, and government-backed initiatives focused on entrepreneurship and emerging technologies.
Hub71 has become a central pillar of Abu Dhabi’s innovation strategy, supporting startups through a combination of financial incentives, ecosystem partnerships, and access to public and private sector stakeholders. Since its launch, the platform has attracted hundreds of startups and helped position Abu Dhabi as a growing hub for venture capital, technology innovation, and startup development.
The latest cohort aligns with broader UAE efforts to diversify the economy through technology-driven growth and knowledge-based industries. Artificial intelligence, fintech, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, climate innovation, and advanced technology development remain key priorities under national and emirate-level economic strategies.
Global competition for startups has intensified in recent years as cities and countries seek to attract founders, investment, talent, and innovation-driven businesses. The UAE has emerged as one of the region’s most attractive destinations due to its strategic location, business-friendly environment, and commitment to supporting emerging technology sectors.
Industry observers note that international startup attraction programs play an increasingly important role in fostering innovation ecosystems by bringing together talent, capital, and expertise from different markets. Such initiatives can also create opportunities for knowledge transfer, local talent development, and technology commercialization.
As Abu Dhabi continues expanding its innovation ecosystem, Hub71’s growing international reach is expected to further strengthen the emirate’s position as a gateway for startups targeting markets across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Editor’s Note
The most notable aspect of Cohort 18 is not the number of startups selected, but the fact that every company comes from outside the UAE. This signals a shift in Hub71’s evolution from a local startup support platform into a global innovation attraction engine. Around the world, leading technology hubs are competing not only for investment capital but also for founders, intellectual property, and high-growth companies. Abu Dhabi’s strategy increasingly mirrors this approach by using infrastructure, funding, regulatory support, and market access as tools to attract global innovation. The success of such programs will ultimately be measured not by the number of startups admitted, but by how many choose to establish long-term operations, create jobs, raise capital, and contribute to the UAE’s ambition of becoming a globally competitive technology and innovation hub.
