Startups within Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 technology ecosystem have raised more than $2.7bn and generated $1.5bn in revenue since the platform’s launch, underscoring the emirate’s efforts to position itself as a global hub for technology and innovation.

According to Hub71’s 2025 Impact Report, startups in the community secured $599m in funding during 2025 and generated $175m in revenue, contributing to cumulative totals of $2.7bn in funding and $1.5bn in revenue by the end of the year.

The figures highlight the growth of Abu Dhabi’s startup ecosystem as the emirate seeks to diversify its economy and attract high-growth technology companies.

390 startups at Hub71

Since its launch in 2019, Hub71’s community has expanded to 390 startups, including 295 companies supported through its programmes, which connect founders with investors, corporate partners, regulators and talent.

Founder interest continued to increase in 2025, with Hub71 receiving more than 5,000 startup applications, up 62% from a year earlier. The ecosystem admitted 52 startups during the year, reflecting growing international interest from companies seeking access to capital, commercial opportunities and expansion into markets across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Beyond fundraising, Hub71 startups signed corporate deals worth $244m between 2022 and 2025, including $37m in agreements concluded during 2025, according to the report.

“Hub71’s performance reflects the sustained progress Abu Dhabi is achieving in building a more competitive, innovation-led economy,” said Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of Hub71 and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.

“Startups are contributing to investment and long-term growth, while strengthening the emirate’s position as a place where ambitious technology companies can build, scale and compete globally,” he said.

Hub71 chief executive Ahmad Ali Alwan said the ecosystem now includes more than 390 startups and over 200 partners.

“The growth of our community reflects the increasing appeal of Abu Dhabi as a destination for founders, the calibre and ambition of the entrepreneurs at Hub71, and the strength of the ecosystem partners supporting them,” Alwan said.

Hub71 expanded its international footprint during 2025, strengthening ties with venture capital firms, corporations and government partners in markets including Hong Kong, Japan, Portugal, India, Ireland and the United States.

The organisation also launched an Immersion Programme aimed at helping high-potential international startups establish operations in Abu Dhabi. The programme welcomed cohorts from Hong Kong and Japan through partnerships with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), Cyberport, MTR Lab and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

As part of its sector-focused strategy, Hub71 launched Hub71+ Life Sciences in 2025, adding to its existing Hub71+ AI, Hub71+ ClimateTech and Hub71+ Digital Assets platforms. The initiative is designed to support founders, investors, research institutions and industry partners operating in healthcare innovation, biotechnology and advanced life sciences.

The report said Hub71’s growing network continues to connect startups with capital, talent, market access and international expansion opportunities, helping companies scale globally from Abu Dhabi while contributing to the emirate’s innovation-driven economy.

Dubai Holding Real Estate has partnered with Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) to launch a new home financing programme aimed at supporting buyers purchasing properties across Nakheel, Meraas and Dubai Properties developments.

The initiative is available to eligible UAE Nationals and residents, including salaried and self-employed customers, purchasing qualifying off-plan and completed villas and apartments within Dubai Holding Real Estate’s portfolio.

The programme has been designed to simplify the home-buying journey through preferential financing rates, dedicated relationship management, digital onboarding and access to selected premium banking benefits.

Customers will have access to both conventional and Islamic financing solutions, subject to eligibility and approval requirements, providing greater flexibility when financing property purchases.

A key feature of the programme is digital pre-approval supported by automated eligibility assessments, enabling customers to gain greater visibility over their borrowing capacity and move more efficiently through the financing process.

The programme also offers access to financing from the 30 per cent construction stage once buyers have met the 50 per cent payment threshold, providing eligible customers with earlier certainty around financing options for off-plan purchases.

For salaried customers, digital pre-approval is expected to reduce processing times and provide clearer insight into borrowing limits. Self-employed customers, entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners will benefit from simplified documentation requirements and more flexible eligibility criteria.

Eligible customers will also gain access to CBD’s premium banking offerings, including its Elite proposition.

Khalid Al Malik, chief executive officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said: “Enabling access to home ownership at the right point in the purchase journey is a priority for Dubai Holding Real Estate. Our partnership with Commercial Bank of Dubai responds directly to that need by unlocking earlier and more structured access to home financing across Nakheel, Meraas and Dubai Properties for UAE Nationals and residents, including salaried and self-employed customers.

“By leveraging the scale and diversity of our residential portfolio, we are giving buyers greater confidence to plan and move forward, reinforcing Dubai Holding Real Estate’s role in shaping accessible, high-quality communities across Dubai’s leading destinations.”

Dr Bernd van Linder, chief executive officer of Commercial Bank of Dubai, said: “Customers today want more than financing. They want clarity, efficiency and trusted guidance throughout the property ownership journey. Through our partnership with Dubai Holding Real Estate, we are simplifying access to home financing with faster digital pre-approvals, dedicated mortgage expertise and a more efficient onboarding process.

“This reflects CBD’s commitment to supporting customers while contributing to the sustainable growth of Dubai’s real estate market.”

The partnership reflects growing collaboration between Dubai’s banking and real estate sectors as both industries seek to support homeownership, strengthen customer confidence and contribute to the long-term development of the emirate’s property market.

Abu Dhabi’s temporary rent freeze is expected to bring greater stability and predictability to the emirate’s property market, offering tenants, landlords and businesses greater certainty around rental costs and renewal decisions in the months ahead, UAE’s property portal firm Bayut stated.

The measure, announced by Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), stipulates that residential, commercial and industrial tenancy contract renewals will be processed at a zero per cent increase until further notice. New tenancy contracts for previously rented units must also be offered at the same rental value as the preceding contract.

Bayut said the decision comes as Abu Dhabi continues to attract strong demand across both residential and commercial real estate segments.

Based on Bayut’s data from January to May 2026, the most-viewed apartment rental areas were Al Reem Island, Khalifa City, Al Raha Beach, Mohamed Bin Zayed City and Madinat Al Riyad. For villas, Khalifa City, Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Yas Island, Madinat Al Riyad and Al Reef recorded the highest levels of user interest.

According to Bayut, the rent freeze is likely to encourage more tenants to renew existing leases, particularly in high-demand communities where moving costs, limited inventory and rising rental differentials have become key considerations.

The company also expects prospective tenants to adopt a more data-driven approach when evaluating properties, comparing asking rents, previous contract values, community averages, amenities and long-term affordability before committing to a lease.

Fibha Ahmed, vice president of Sales at Bayut, said: “Abu Dhabi’s rent freeze marks an important moment for the rental market as it introduces greater certainty into conversations between tenants, landlords and agents. For tenants, it may reduce short-term pressure and make renewal a more attractive option, particularly in high-demand communities. For landlords and real estate professionals, it places greater emphasis on accurate pricing, transparent communication and long-term relationship building. We expect tenant decision-making to become even more data-led, with users looking beyond headline rents to assess overall value, lifestyle fit and community benefits.”

Bayut noted that tenants are increasingly evaluating properties based on broader lifestyle considerations, including commuting times, property condition, building amenities, parking availability, service quality and community infrastructure.

The company expects communities that combine rental stability with strong lifestyle offerings to benefit from higher tenant retention rates.

Real estate professionals believe the measure will also support market confidence and reshape discussions between landlords and tenants.

Muhammad Shoaib, chief executive officer of Capstone Real Estate, said: “Stable rents help create stronger communities. Abu Dhabi’s approach supports residents, encourages responsible landlord practices and reinforces confidence in one of the region’s most dynamic property markets. By reducing uncertainty around renewals, the decision can help tenants plan with greater confidence while allowing landlords and agents to focus on service quality, retention and long-term relationships.”

The freeze could have a particularly noticeable impact in high-demand residential communities, where limited supply has supported rental growth in recent years. Bayut expects apartment-led districts to experience greater renewal-driven stability, while villa communities may continue to attract families seeking larger homes and long-term settlement options.

Premium residential locations are also expected to remain resilient as tenants continue to prioritise location, exclusivity and lifestyle benefits.

Ali Ishaq, head of Abu Dhabi Residential at Savills Abu Dhabi, said: “Over the past couple of years, tenants have become increasingly conscious of rising rents driven by supply and demand dynamics. Recent geopolitical uncertainty added another layer of concern, making this rent freeze a timely confidence-building measure. It gives tenants greater reassurance to remain in place and reflects a mature, measured approach from ADREC during a sensitive period. It may also support investor confidence by encouraging higher tenant retention and reducing the likelihood of tenants downsizing purely to manage rental increases. Overall, I believe this announcement points towards a more stable and mature Abu Dhabi rental market.”

Beyond residential real estate, the policy also applies to commercial and industrial properties, potentially offering businesses greater visibility over occupancy costs.

For companies operating offices, retail outlets, warehouses and industrial facilities, rental certainty may support more effective budgeting and operational planning, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises and businesses pursuing expansion strategies.

The move forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to create a more transparent and sustainable real estate market. Combined with initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi Residential Rental Index, the temporary freeze adds another layer of structure and predictability to the emirate’s property sector.

Ghazi Ballout, sales and leasing director at Lamaison Real Estate, said: “Abu Dhabi Municipality’s temporary decision to freeze rental increases sends a powerful signal of a maturing market that prioritises stability over short-term volatility. By providing greater financial predictability, the move can strengthen tenant and investor confidence while supporting higher tenant retention rates. Ultimately, it reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a balanced, transparent and highly attractive marketplace for residents, businesses and global investors.”

Bayut said it will continue monitoring rental search activity, pricing trends and user behaviour to assess the longer-term impact of the measure on tenant movement, landlord strategies and market activity.

As Abu Dhabi continues to attract residents, businesses and international investors, the rent freeze is expected to support a more measured rental environment while reinforcing confidence across the emirate’s real estate sector.

Luxury developer AHS Properties has acquired the Shangri-La Dubai hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road for Dhs1.1bn.

The acquisition strengthens the company’s expanding footprint on Sheikh Zayed Road, where it already has a presence through AHS Tower and the recently announced AHS City development.

Speaking to Gulf Business, Abbas Sajwani, founder and CEO of AHS Properties, said the deal was driven by the property’s prime location and the company’s long-term conviction in Dubai’s continued growth.

“What attracted me to it is the location. You cannot replace this kind of location,” Sajwani said.

“Given the demand in that location, the continued growth of Dubai and everything the city has to offer, we thought it was a great acquisition for our long-term vision.”

Completed in 2003, Shangri-La Dubai is one of Sheikh Zayed Road’s most recognisable and longstanding hospitality landmarks.

The mixed-use tower occupies a prime position on the corridor, further offering views of both the Burj Khalifa and the Arabian Gulf.

“We believe Sheikh Zayed Road is the centre of the city and connects everything together,” he said.

“The location is second to none because you’re in the middle of the city, with uninterrupted views of Burj Khalifa on one side and the sea on the other.”

Katerina Dixon, assistant vice president (AVP) for regional marketing and corporate communications MEIA at Shangri-La Group, told Gulf Business that the hotel group welcomes AHS as the new owner of the asset.

“For our guests, colleagues, and partners, it remains business as usual. Our focus continues to be on delivering the exceptional service, warm hospitality, and memorable experiences that guests have come to expect from Shangri-La,” she said.

Confidence in Dubai

The deal comes as Dubai’s property market continues to demonstrate resilience despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in the region.

Sajwani said the acquisition reflects confidence in Dubai’s long-term trajectory rather than any short-term market considerations.

“We honestly believe Dubai is a unique place. There is nowhere else in the world like it,” he said.

“There are many reasons for that, from its economic policies and visa policies to its luxury lifestyle, quality of life and safety. When you put all those things together, Dubai becomes a city unlike anywhere else.”

He added that Dubai’s ability to attract international investors and talent continues to support its long-term growth outlook.

“We have more than 200 nationalities living in Dubai. The city will continue to grow because what it offers simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.”

For Sajwani, the acquisition also carries personal significance.

Having frequented the property for years, he described becoming its owner as a proud moment and one that aligns with AHS Properties’ ambition to develop a long-term presence along one of Dubai’s most important commercial and residential corridors.

“It’s a historic property that has been part of Dubai for more than 20 years,” he said.

“Owning it gives me a lot of pride.”

Sheikh Zayed Road developments

Alongside the Shangri-La acquisition, AHS Properties is advancing AHS City, a major mixed-use project at the entrance to Sheikh Zayed Road, which Sajwani said will become the company’s largest development to date.

“We’re going to focus on these two projects this year,” he said.

Founded in 2021, AHS Properties has rapidly established itself as a major player in Dubai’s ultra-luxury real estate market, with a portfolio of high-end developments across Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills and other prime locations.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had carried out attacks against a US base in Jordan and 21 other targets in the Gulf on Wednesday in retaliation for American strikes around the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media reported.

The clashes mark one of the biggest exchanges in hostilities since the two countries agreed to a ceasefire in April.

The Iranian strikes, which included attacks in Kuwait and Bahrain, came after the US military said on X it had targeted Iranian air defence, ground control stations and surveillance radar sites near the strait in response to what US President Donald Trump said was the downing of a US Apache helicopter on Tuesday.

“I believe the response should be very strong, very powerful, and that’s what this one is,” Trump told ABC News on Tuesday.

Read more-US strikes Iran after Apache helicopter downing, Bahrain sounds warning sirens

The escalation in violence deepens doubts about the prospects for a deal to end the war that started on February 28 with joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran. Tehran responded by firing on Gulf neighbours that host US bases and all but choked off the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for oil and gas.

The latest US strikes lasted around four hours before the US Central Command posted just before 9 pm ET (0100 GMT Wednesday) that they had ended. A US official said almost 20 Iranian targets had been struck.

Iran’s state media reported that Qeshm island and the port city of Sirik in the Strait of Hormuz were attacked.

Sounds of explosions were heard in nearby Bandar Abbas, and later in the vicinity of Jask, near the entrance to the strait, Iranian media reported, citing local sources and residents.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said in response they had targeted four sites at the US Al Azraq base in Jordan using long-range missiles, Iranian media reported.

The Guards said the targets included F-35 fighter jet hangars and a command-and-control centre, and warned they were ready to deliver a “crushing and decisive” response to any further US attack.

Jordanian armed forces said on Wednesday they had intercepted and shot down five missiles launched from Iran toward Al Azraq. The military added that debris from the interception operation fell on Jordanian territory but caused no injuries or material damage.

The Kuwaiti army said its air defence systems were engaging hostile aerial targets and urged the public to follow official safety instructions, after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted the Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait with drones.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said earlier they attacked the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain with drones and threatened “more severe responses” if hostilities continued, according to media.

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said a warning siren had been sounded and urged the public to head to safety. Air defences had repelled Iranian attacks, a media adviser to Bahrain’s king said soon after in a post on X.

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said initial assessments showed nearly all missiles and drones launched by Iran were intercepted and they were not immediately aware of any reports of harm to US personnel or damage to US locations.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters could not immediately verify the battlefield reports.

Oil prices climbed about 1 per cent in early Asian trade on Wednesday following the escalation in hostilities.

Not a big deal?

On Tuesday, a US Apache helicopter was brought down by a one-way Iranian attack drone, according to a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Two US pilots involved in the helicopter incident were uninjured, Trump said.

Iran’s state media cited a military source as saying that no offensive air military operations had been conducted in the Strait of Hormuz in the previous 24 hours.

A US Navy surface drone found and rescued the two crew, the US military said, after the US Army attack helicopter went down in waters near Oman’s coast while on patrol at around 3 am on Tuesday (2300 GMT on Monday).

The US military’s Central Command gave no reason for the crash. It said the two crew were rescued after two hours and said they were in stable condition, a more cautious assessment than Trump’s description.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi did not directly address the helicopter incident, but said in a post on X that foreign forces in the region risked being involved in accidents or crossfire.

“To reduce risk, best solution is for them to leave,” he wrote.

Trump told The Wall Street Journal during a phone call on Tuesday that the helicopter incident “wasn’t a big deal” and stressed that “the pilot is fine.”

However, the episode could well add further strain to efforts to broker a peace deal to end the wider Middle East war and reopen Hormuz.

Trump has repeatedly said Iran and the United States are close to an agreement, though there have been few signs of progress since a tenuous ceasefire took effect in early April.

Fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon has continued, and Tehran has maintained its restrictions on most shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which before the war carried a fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Washington has imposed its own blockade of Iranian ports.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Tuesday that ship traffic through Hormuz is rising “very meaningfully,” but added it would take many months to get back to normal flows of energy once the war is over.

Trump has said any peace deal must ensure Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon. Iran denies any such ambitions.

Iran’s demands include the lifting of international sanctions, the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets and recognition of its control of the strait.