Dubai and Abu Dhabi among top global cities for entrepreneurs as low taxes and quality of life lure startups

Mohammed Al Balushi
3 Min Read

Dubai and Abu Dhabi among the best cities in the world for entrepreneurs, according to SumUp research

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the top ten cities in the world for entrepreneurs, according to analysis by financial technology experts SumUp.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have emerged as premier global destinations for entrepreneurs, offering a combination of favorable tax policies, high quality of life, and robust business infrastructures that attract startups and established businesses alike.

Dubai: A Leading Entrepreneurial Hub

Ranked third globally as an ideal city for entrepreneurs, Dubai provides significant tax advantages, including no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and a low value-added tax (VAT) rate of 5%. These financial incentives enable entrepreneurs to maximize profits and reinvest in their ventures. citeturn0search3

Beyond tax benefits, Dubai boasts a dynamic business environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure. Initiatives like Dubai Internet City have attracted over 1,600 companies, including tech giants such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, and Microsoft, fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem. citeturn0search24

Abu Dhabi: Combining Tax Benefits with Quality of Life

Abu Dhabi ranks seventh globally among cities favorable for entrepreneurs, offering the same tax advantages as Dubai—zero personal and capital gains taxes, and a 5% VAT. Notably, Abu Dhabi scores highest in quality of life among the top ten cities, with a score of 197.22, making it an attractive location for both living and conducting business. citeturn0search5

Strategic Advantages and Global Connectivity

Both cities serve as strategic gateways between East and West, providing access to markets across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Their world-class infrastructure, including major international airports and ports, facilitates global trade and connectivity, essential for entrepreneurial success.

Government Initiatives Supporting Entrepreneurs

The governments of Dubai and Abu Dhabi have implemented policies to support business growth, including streamlined business setup processes, innovation hubs, and free zones offering 100% foreign ownership. These initiatives have created ecosystems conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.

In summary, the combination of favorable tax regimes, high quality of life, strategic locations, and supportive government policies positions Dubai and Abu Dhabi as top choices for entrepreneurs seeking to establish and grow their businesses in a globally connected environment.

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