I've Been in Business for Over 20 Years — and I Believe This City Is the Best Place to Be an Entrepreneur Right Now This city offers entrepreneurs next-level speed, infrastructure and opportunity.
By Steve Laidlaw Edited by Chelsea Brown
Key Takeaways
- The mindset in Dubai is about momentum — fast decision-making, minimal red tape and a pro-business environment make it easier to execute quickly.
- Dubai offers a government-backed infrastructure that is optimized for growth. The city is also a magnet for top talent and capital.
- There's a cultural currency of ambition, and that energy forces founders to level up.
- While Dubai is an optimal environment for entrepreneurs, it's not a shortcut to success. You still need to do the work, add real value, localize, listen and adapt.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Entrepreneurship is always a leap of faith, no matter where you launch. But some cities offer more than just a springboard. They give you altitude. And for me, Dubai is exactly that.
I've been in business for over two decades, spanning everything from digital PR and content strategy to luxury lifestyle services. I've seen different markets rise and stall — but I've never experienced anything quite like Dubai. For entrepreneurs who are ready to think globally and act decisively, this city isn't just promising. It's proving.
Related: Why Dubai Is the Next Global Haven for Entrepreneurs and the Ultra-Wealthy
The mindset here is about momentum
What first struck me when I started working in Dubai was how differently people move here. There's a velocity to the decision-making process. You don't get stuck in bureaucratic loops or endless pitch meetings. If you're bringing value and clarity to the table, you'll be met with respect and opportunity.
It's not about taking shortcuts — it's about understanding that speed matters. In many other markets, startups are fighting through noise and red tape. Here, there's an infrastructure that's designed to help you execute.
Infrastructure supports scale — fast
The UAE government has gone all-in on digital infrastructure, business set-up simplification and economic diversification. For example, setting up a business through Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is significantly faster than in most Western markets.
Whether you're launching a consultancy, an app or a content platform, there's an ecosystem that helps — not hinders — your momentum. Free zones, visa support and access to banking services are all optimized for growth.
Talent and capital come to you
Dubai is attracting an international wave of digital nomads, specialists and investors who want to live, work and build in one of the world's safest, most connected cities. The city's lifestyle appeal isn't a distraction — it's an attractor.
I've hired people who came to Dubai on holiday and decided to relocate. I've met angel investors at yacht events and business leaders over breakfast in DIFC. In most cities, you have to chase capital and talent. In Dubai, you often just need to show up prepared.
The region is a gateway — not an endpoint
A common misconception is that Dubai is a luxury island disconnected from the real global business game. That couldn't be more wrong. This is a regional hub that connects East and West, North and South. With direct flights to nearly every global business center and rising investment from Asia and Africa, Dubai is more than a destination. It's a distribution point for influence.
And that matters when you're building a brand, raising capital or exporting services. You want a base that connects you to diverse economies — not just one.
The cultural currency of ambition
People come to Dubai with a mindset: They want to build. That's the unifying trait, regardless of background, passport or industry. And it's incredibly energizing.
For founders, that means less cynicism and more optimism. The conversations here are different — not just about how to survive, but how to scale. That culture is infectious. It forces you to level up.
What to watch out for
That said, Dubai isn't a shortcut to success. You still have to show up, do the work and add real value. Relationships matter deeply here. So does consistency. If you're just looking for a quick win or PR splash, you'll burn out fast.
Also, don't assume what worked in London, New York or Singapore will automatically translate here. You need to localize, listen and adapt.
Related: 10 Things to Know About Dubai's Digital Economy Ambitions
Dubai has allowed me to consolidate my businesses under a clearer personal brand, open doors for partnerships I'd never have expected and mentor founders who are building globally relevant ventures.
If you're considering making the leap — whether for your business or your brand — now is the time. Because Dubai isn't just growing; it's building a future where entrepreneurs are the architects.
And that's the kind of energy every founder needs.
