Chapter 10: Urban Innovation in the United Arab Emirates: An Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Lens

Increasing attention has been paid to the entrepreneurial ecosystems in emergent economies, notably those in the UAE and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as these nations endeavor to diversify their economies and foster innovation-driven growth. The concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems, which encompasses interconnected actors, institutions, and resources that support entrepreneurial activity, has become essential for comprehending the development of start-ups in these regions (De Brito & Leitão, 2020; Fuentes et al., 2024). Although the UAE’s economy has relied on hydrocarbon exports, major attempts have been made to diversify via smart investments in real estate, tourism, banking, and technology (Antwi-Boateng & Al Jaberi, 2022). Especially in the MENA region, this diversification has made the UAE a major actor in the world economy (Hassen, 2022). Along with government dedication to innovation and sustainability, the growing trend toward a knowledge-based economy offers a rich environment for entrepreneurship.