The UAE has long been known for its modern architecture, luxury lifestyle, and ambitious projects. But in recent years, something else has been quietly reshaping the country’s identity—its startup scene.
Young entrepreneurs from the UAE are now gaining attention worldwide for their bold ideas and innovative solutions. Whether it’s fintech, healthcare, mobility, or clean energy, these startups are not just staying local—they are going global. And they’re doing it fast.
Here are five UAE startups that are making a powerful impact beyond the region and transforming industries around the world.
1. Yalla Group – Taking Social Communication Global
Yalla Group is one of the UAE’s biggest tech success stories. It started as a voice-chat app mainly for Arabic-speaking users. But with smart strategy and rapid growth, the company went global—and even became the first UAE tech startup to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
The app allows users to connect through voice chat rooms, play games, and make friends across the world. It’s especially popular in the Middle East and North Africa, but it’s also expanding into Asia and other regions.
What makes Yalla different is its focus on community-based communication, rather than just text or video. That’s why it’s growing quickly, even in crowded global markets. It’s not just an app—it’s a social space for people to connect naturally.
2. Careem – From Local Ride-Hailing to a Super App
Careem began in Dubai in 2012 as a ride-hailing platform to compete with global players like Uber. Today, it’s much more than that. It’s a “super app” offering services like food delivery, digital payments, and even grocery shopping—all in one place.
In 2020, Uber bought Careem for $3.1 billion, but allowed it to continue operating independently. This gave Careem the freedom to expand its services across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
Now, Careem isn’t just a competitor—it’s a leader in the region. The company’s super app model is being studied and copied by others worldwide. And with its deep understanding of local cultures, Careem continues to grow in both emerging and developed markets.
3. Pure Harvest – Growing Fresh Food in Harsh Deserts
In a region where farming is tough due to extreme weather, Pure Harvest Smart Farms found a way to grow high-quality fruits and vegetables using smart technology.
This startup builds climate-controlled greenhouses that use advanced AI, sensors, and automation to grow crops with less water. Their produce is fresher, cleaner, and closer to home compared to imports. That’s why demand for their systems is growing—not just in the Gulf, but globally.
Pure Harvest now supplies major supermarkets and hotels in the UAE and is expanding into Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Asia. They recently received over $100 million in funding to scale operations and build more high-tech farms.
What started as a local food solution is now becoming a model for sustainable agriculture in extreme climates worldwide.
4. Tabby – Making Shopping Smarter with ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’
Online shopping has changed how we buy, but not everyone wants to use credit cards. That’s where Tabby comes in. Based in the UAE, Tabby offers a “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) solution that lets shoppers split payments over time—without interest or hidden fees.
Tabby is already working with more than 10,000 online and offline retailers, including big names like IKEA and Adidas. The service is available in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and even Pakistan, with plans to enter more international markets.
Tabby’s model helps both consumers and businesses. Shoppers get flexibility, while stores increase their sales. It’s a win-win. With over $700 million raised in funding and millions of users, Tabby is fast becoming one of the leading BNPL players in the world.
5. Yellow Door Energy – Powering the Future with Clean Energy
As the world moves toward cleaner energy, Yellow Door Energy is helping businesses switch to solar. Founded in Dubai, the company builds and manages solar energy systems for commercial and industrial clients.
Yellow Door’s model allows companies to go solar without paying high upfront costs. Instead, businesses sign long-term contracts to buy clean electricity at lower rates. This helps companies save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
The company already operates across the UAE, Jordan, Pakistan, and Bahrain. But it’s not stopping there. With major investments from global funds, Yellow Door is planning to expand into Africa and Southeast Asia.
At a time when energy transition is urgent, this UAE startup is helping other countries meet their climate goals.
The UAE Startup Ecosystem is Just Getting Started
The success of these five startups is not an accident. It reflects the UAE’s growing focus on innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.
Government initiatives like Dubai Future Foundation, Hub71 in Abu Dhabi, and various startup accelerators have made the UAE a magnet for global talent and venture capital. Add in world-class infrastructure, easy business setup, and a strategic location—and it’s clear why so many startups are choosing to grow from here.
The global market is no longer out of reach for UAE-born companies. In fact, these startups are not just entering the market—they’re shaping its future.
Also read: The Secrets Behind Emirati Entrepreneurs’ Success Stories
