Take advantage of opportunities in the UAE’s fast-growing sectors now

“Recent changes like allowing 100 percent ownership on the mainland and lowering the cost of setting up a business have fuelled a wave of entrepreneurs and start-ups in the UAE. We continue to see a steady influx of investors and founders setting up operations here,” said Hemant Katyal, co-founder of Dhanguard Group.

Chrissi Zamora, Managing Director of Hawksford UAE, discussed a number of initiatives that are impacting the country’s investment landscape.

“Today, most business sectors on the continent and in free zones allow 100 percent foreign ownership. In addition, the introduction of long-term investor visas is a significant advance in recent years,” Zamora explained.

“The diversification of the economy beyond oil, together with digital transformation and the development of smart cities, are creating an environment that is extremely conducive to long-term investment.”

Another panelist, Rinshana Gafoor Shas, CEO of Fast Business Center, spoke about the UAE’s supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem as a key driver of growth.

“Businesses can explore a wealth of opportunities in sectors such as hospitality, e-commerce, infrastructure, technology, AI and cryptocurrency. Entrepreneurs – whether they are start-ups, SMEs or large business owners – can thrive here like nowhere else, thanks to the unique combination of support and benefits available. For anyone looking to start a business in the UAE, the potential for impact and growth is extraordinary.”

In identifying dynamic sectors for investment and guiding companies on a growth path, panelists highlighted several key areas.

“There is a huge opportunity for small businesses and SMEs to provide niche consulting, leveraging personal experience in areas such as auditing, lifestyle and nutrition consulting. The technology sector offers opportunities to develop innovative products from home or flexible workspaces,” said Katyal of Dhanguard Group.

The e-commerce sector is moving beyond traditional platforms, enabling entrepreneurs to effectively sell unique products.

“Cloud kitchens are an example of a lean startup model that focuses on niche markets to avoid high costs,” Katyal said.

He noted that advances in blockchain are making data management more secure and creating new investment opportunities for entrepreneurs. “The rapidly growing AI sector is driving innovation and also attracting significant funding across industries.”

Meanwhile, Pratik Rawal, head of corporate structuring at Creative Zone, pointed out that vacation rental homes are a lucrative investment opportunity.

Additionally, sectors such as medical technology, real estate technology and educational technology represent significant growth potential for businesses.

“We receive queries every day on sectors like medical technology and prop technology. There is a significant opportunity to build valuable intellectual property (IP) in these areas. I encourage you to focus strongly on investing in technology as it drives innovation and growth. Creating something valuable not only paves the way for your business to succeed but also attracts further investments and opportunities,” Rawal said.

Zamora stressed that aligning with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and striving for a sustainable future open up many opportunities in the clean energy sector.

“Government initiatives promoting hydrogen, wind and other clean energy options provide an opportunity for emerging businesses to explore and invest in sustainable solutions,” she said.

The panelists noted that while there are solid investment opportunities in various sectors, entrepreneurs should pay attention to the processes and procedures of setting up businesses to ensure smooth functioning and sustainable growth.

Rawal advised entrepreneurs to choose their jurisdiction carefully.

“Each emirate has unique advantages, so evaluate factors such as team size, outsourcing versus in-house, and overall capacity. These considerations are key to choosing the right jurisdiction,” he said, adding: “Consider your growth strategy when scaling your business. Choosing a specific location does not limit your potential for expansion.”

Fathima Salam, COO at Lawgical Group, stressed the importance of having a clear business strategy and conducting thorough research before setting up a business to avoid future complications.

“When investors are considering investing their hard-earned money into a business, it is crucial that they know their potential partners and understand where their investment is going. Product evaluation is also key in this process.

“For entrepreneurs, protecting their unique concept is key and they should refrain from sharing it publicly unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, ensuring the financial stability of their investors is key, which underscores the critical role of due diligence,” Salam explained.

She emphasized the need to have a team of lawyers to effectively solve potential problems in the process of setting up a company.

Shas from Fast Business Center shared key advice before concluding the session, emphasizing the importance of focusing on Return on Investment (ROI), which is crucial for both SMEs and large enterprises.

“Understanding return on investment (ROI) is essential before starting any venture as it helps make strategic decisions and ensures efficient allocation of resources,” she explained.