ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi has firmly positioned itself among the world’s leading cities for innovation and entrepreneurship, supported by a robust ecosystem that empowers creators, equips startups with essential growth tools, and enables them to expand confidently into international markets.
At the center of this ecosystem is Hub71, a major driver of Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global hub for technology and entrepreneurship. Currently home to around 300 startups, Hub71’s community has collectively raised over AED 9 billion in funding and generated revenues exceeding AED 5 billion—underscoring the emirate’s thriving digital economy and its status as one of the region’s fastest-growing startup markets.
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem is steadily expanding internationally through innovative programs that enhance global connectivity for startups. He noted that Hub71’s recent growth includes the launch of a startup integration program in Hong Kong and new strategic partnerships designed to open up wider opportunities for startups to scale both from and into Abu Dhabi.
Alwan highlighted that the ecosystem is focused on high-impact sectors shaping the global future, including artificial intelligence, climate technology, digital assets, and the newly launched Hub71+ Life Sciences cluster. These fields, he said, are experiencing growing international demand and present significant opportunities for expansion. Hub71’s mission, therefore, is to empower visionary founders to turn their innovative ideas into global success stories originating from Abu Dhabi.
Several standout companies have emerged from Abu Dhabi’s startup ecosystem. Among them is Aurem, a fintech innovator that has developed advanced solutions for the financial services industry. Since joining Hub71 earlier this year, Aurem has secured USD 7 million in funding and begun expanding internationally. Co-founder and CEO Michael Watkins highlighted the company’s flagship product, Workflow Builder—an AI-powered tool that enables financial institutions to create databases and workflows in days rather than months.
In biotechnology, Laura Towart, founder and CEO of Vivan Therapeutics, said her cancer treatment company has raised over GBP 4.6 million in capital and GBP 3.7 million in research grants. Vivan is now establishing laboratories in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with local medical institutions to deploy its technology, which analyzes tumor fingerprints to identify the most effective treatment combinations for each patient. Towart praised Abu Dhabi’s agile regulatory framework, which she said facilitates the rapid adoption of advanced medical innovations.
In fintech, Abhinav Mehta, founder and CEO of Mansa, said his company—based at Hub71—has raised USD 10 million from global investors and processed over USD 250 million in transactions through its digital liquidity solutions. Mansa partners with various payment providers in and outside the UAE, leveraging Hub71’s support to forge collaborations with both public and private sector entities. Mehta described Abu Dhabi as a dynamic financial hub with world-class infrastructure ideal for fintech growth.
In industrial technology, Mustafa Jafri, founder and CEO of Monit, said his company relocated from Pakistan to Abu Dhabi via Hub71 to expand across Gulf markets, including Saudi Arabia and Oman. Monit, which integrates AI and IoT to enhance safety in hazardous industries such as oil, gas, and mining, has already generated USD 3 million in revenue and is seeking an additional USD 3 million to establish an assembly line in Abu Dhabi for regional manufacturing and exports. Jafri noted that Monit’s technology aims to prevent workplace accidents, save lives, and raise safety standards across the industrial sector.
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