Beyond Silicon Valley:
How Abu Dhabi is
redefining start-up success
For decades, the status of Silicon Valley in the US and other traditional hubs in Europe as the home of high-growth start-ups has remained unchallenged – but the appeal of these locations for the next generation has begun to wane.
The high cost of living, combined with a general move towards distributed teams, has made it more attractive for companies to establish themselves outside of traditional zones, resulting in Silicon Valley’s share of startup deals dropping below 20% for the first time.
And as new global tech hubs emerge, Abu Dhabi has led the charge, positioning itself as an attractive alternative to compete on the world stage.
Ease of business set-up, world-class infrastructure, a favorable tax environment and a wealth of innovation-friendly policies and initiatives have all played a part in the development of Abu Dhabi’s vibrant tech ecosystem.
At the cutting edge
Jose Rubinger, CCO and co-founder of Key2Enable, is one entrepreneur who couldn’t resist the pull of Abu Dhabi.
Founded in Brazil in 2015, Key2Enable offers technology-led, cost-effective, assistive technology for children with severe motor, intellectual and physical disabilities. Keen to expand beyond its home market, Rubinger saw the wealth of opportunity in relocating to Abu Dhabi.
“Not only has the UAE made significant progress on inclusive education,” says Rubinger, “but its favorable business environment, low tax rates, and strong government support prompted us to consider the emirate as our next location.”
After winning a series of competitions and challenges held by accelerators and incubators in the emirate, Key2Enable was accepted into the Hub71 program in 2020 and Rubinger decided to make Abu Dhabi its global headquarters.
Eugene Grankin, CEO and founder of UVL Robotics, had a similar experience of being attracted to the emirate’s commitment to innovation. As a provider of drone-based solutions with AI for logistics, the entrepreneur was struck by how seriously Abu Dhabi was taking its investment in technology.
“We found that Abu Dhabi was keenly interested in exploring opportunities in the use of cutting-edge drone technology,” Grankin says. “This wasn’t just a PR stunt; they were committed to implementing our products in the real world – and had the policies to match.”
Wooed by the appeal of the UAE’s dynamic and ever-growing tech ecosystem, UVL Robotics followed in the footsteps of Key2Enable, and many others, and made Abu Dhabi its new home.
CCO and co-founder of Key2Enable
CCO and co-founder of Key2Enable
A new way
Thanks to Abu Dhabi’s Golden Visa program, both Rubinger and Grankin were offered long-term residency – available to investors and innovators in high-growth sectors who wish to live, work and grow in Abu Dhabi.
The city's accessible business and economic landscape, which offers multiple touch points for collaboration, made it even easier for the tech founder to stay.
“We have been very active with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development,” says Rubinger. “They ask us, the SMEs, what could be changed to make it even easier to do business in the UAE. It’s amazing.”
In addition, Rubinger cites policies implemented by Abu Dhabi Government as helping Key2Enable to deliver solutions and services for disabled children.
“The establishment of the ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) and ADIO (Abu Dhabi Investment Office) have helped create a business-friendly environment in the city,” says Rubinger, “which has made it easier for Key2Enable to establish operations and attract investment.”
CCO and co-founder of Key2Enable
CCO and co-founder of Key2Enable
As well as being the home of Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, ADGM nurtures the growth of startups through initiatives and policies that encourage investment and entrepreneurship. This includes RegLab program, which enable startups to attract investment and innovate within a controlled regulatory environment.
“The robotics industry hinges on regulation,” explains Grankin. “The flexibility of the ADGM’s Regulatory Lab, combined with a collaborative relationship with regulators, has nurtured the conditions for success.”
And the results speak for themselves, with both entrepreneurs citing Abu Dhabi’s thriving ecosystem as central to their success.
“The government's focus on promoting innovation has provided Key2Enable with access to resources and networks to scale our solutions,” says Rubinger. Key2Enable now has a presence in the UK, Chile and the US, as well as in the UAE.
Meanwhile, UVL’s partnership with the UAE authorities has led to the very first drone-based day-to-day parcel delivery in the Middle East, which, according to Grankin, “couldn’t have been done without the knowledge, experience and expertise found in Abu Dhabi.”
The future of startup success
As the startup landscape continues to evolve, Abu Dhabi has firmly established itself as a viable location for entrepreneurs looking to get their venture off the ground.
And as the emirate accelerates investments in its tech ecosystem, it is poised to become an even more attractive destination for the next generation of innovators looking to make their mark.
“For any entrepreneur looking to build their business in Abu Dhabi, I have four words for you,” says Grankin. “Come, innovate, build, and sustain.”
CEO and founder of UVL Robotics
CEO and founder of UVL Robotics
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