Number of New Economy Companies in the UAE Increased by 37%, Approaching 125,000

The number of new economy companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recorded a rapid increase. According to data announced by UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the number of companies operating in technology, knowledge, and innovation-based sectors reached approximately 125,000 by the end of the first half of 2026, representing a 37% increase compared to the previous year. E-commerce, artificial intelligence, fintech, and the digital economy are among the country's priority areas.

Which Sectors Do New Economy Companies Operate In?

According to the UAE's definition, new economy companies consist of businesses developing technology, innovation, and knowledge-based business models rather than traditional trade and hydrocarbon-focused models. Advanced technology, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and e-commerce are among the priority sectors within this scope. Renewable energy, the circular economy, green technologies, digital media and arts, financial technologies, and smart mobility are also among the other important areas of activity within the new economy.

Artificial Intelligence Is Being Used Across Different Sectors

Bin Touq stated that artificial intelligence should not be regarded solely as an independent sector. According to the minister's statement, AI technologies are being used in numerous areas, including increasing efficiency in manufacturing, improving logistics processes, enhancing financial services, tourism activities, and energy efficiency. This technological transformation also encompasses the development of digital services and technological infrastructure used in the retail sector, alongside e-commerce and digital economy companies classified as new economy companies.

New Economy Takes Center Stage in the UAE's 2031 Goals

The growth of new economy companies is progressing alongside the advanced economy objectives, one of the four main priorities of the UAE's "We the UAE 2031" program. Under the program, the country aims to increase its foreign trade volume to AED 4 trillion, raise tourism's contribution to GDP to AED 450 billion, and become one of the world's top 10 countries attracting global talent. The UAE's non-oil economy also grew by 4.8% in the first quarter of 2026, with its share of GDP reaching 79.4%.

African Investments on the Agenda

Bin Touq, who also serves as Co-Chairman of the Investopia Board of Directors, announced that the platform is placing greater emphasis on Africa in its international activities in 2026. To date, Investopia has signed more than 32 agreements and memoranda of understanding with institutions, companies, investment funds, banks, and accelerators.

The UAE's investments in Africa exceeded $110 billion during the 2019 to 2023 period, with more than $70 billion directed toward green, energy, and renewable energy projects. The growth of the country's new economy company ecosystem is also progressing as part of its global investment objectives focused on e-commerce, artificial intelligence, technology, and a sustainable economy.