Abu Dhabi has been recognized as the fastest-growing emerging ecosystem in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, according to the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) by Startup Genome and the Global Entrepreneurship Network. This report, released during London Tech Week, highlights a 28% growth in ecosystem value for Abu Dhabi. The GSER, which utilizes the most rigorous dataset on global startup ecosystems, examines data from over 4.5 million companies across more than 300 entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems. It offers fresh insights and comprehensive knowledge on worldwide startup trends and ranks the top 40 global ecosystems, emerging ecosystems, and regional rankings. The report specifically notes the increasing startup activity in Abu Dhabi, including at Hub71, the city's global technology ecosystem, confirming its status as the fastest-growing ecosystem in the MENA region. The ecosystem has generated $4.2 billion in value from July 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023, reflecting a 28% compound annual growth rate compared to the previous period. Ecosystem value is determined by the economic impact, calculated through the value of exits and startup valuations. Abu Dhabi's ranking has leaped by 15 positions from the previous year, now falling within the 61-70 group. Total early-stage funding from July 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023, amounts to $284 million, with total venture capital funding for 2019-2023 reaching $1.06 billion. Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, emphasized that Abu Dhabi's ascent as a leading startup ecosystem is due to the opportunities it provides to entrepreneurs globally. The environment is conducive to funding and commercial prospects, laying the groundwork for startups to expand. Hub71 has witnessed its startup community flourish over the past five years, with more startups viewing Abu Dhabi as a gateway for their global expansion. The report also highlights key ecosystem players in Abu Dhabi, including Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Mubadala Investment Company, ADQ, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), startAD, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), who are enhancing the operational and regulatory environment and offering incentives like 100% foreign ownership to attract foreign investment and startups. Through collaborations among these key players, Abu Dhabi is facilitating the soft-landing of startups worldwide, providing access to capital and commercial opportunities. Numerous companies, including U.S.-based Andalusia Labs and South Korean blockchain company Neoply, have relocated their global headquarters to ADGM. Hub71 hosts a community of over 315 startups that have collectively raised $1.5 billion. Marc Penzel, Founder & President of Startup Genome, praised Hub71's role in making Abu Dhabi a rapidly growing world-class startup ecosystem, noting its potential in sectors like digital assets and CleanTech.