Dubai has long been a magnet for innovation, but the past five years have marked a generational shift in who’s leading the change. Gen Z—those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s—are not just participating in the business world. They’re rewriting it. Armed with digital fluency, global awareness, and a keen eye for social impact, Gen Z founders are launching businesses that challenge traditional models across every major industry.
From luxury retail and fintech to fashion, real estate, and food, these young entrepreneurs are reshaping Dubai’s business landscape—and doing it on their own terms.
A Generation Built for Change
What Sets Gen Z Entrepreneurs Apart
This generation grew up online, but they’re building offline impact. Gen Z founders are digital natives who think in platforms, not storefronts; in ecosystems, not hierarchies. Their ventures are often lean, online-first, and built for speed. However, beyond technology, what truly sets Gen Z apart is its purpose.
Where older generations may have prioritised stability or scale, Gen Z aims for impact. Their ventures tend to focus on solving real problems—whether that’s ethical fashion, financial inclusion, or climate-conscious living. They are also unafraid to blend personal identity with business, creating authentic brands that resonate with communities rather than mass markets.
Why Dubai Is the Ideal Launchpad
Dubai’s business environment is uniquely suited to this generation’s entrepreneurial spirit. Regulatory reforms over the last five years have opened the door to 100% foreign ownership, fast-tracked licensing, and residency visas linked directly to startup business activity. Add to that a vibrant consumer base, world-class infrastructure, and a thriving social media culture, and it’s no surprise that Dubai has become a magnet for Gen Z founders from both the UAE and abroad.
Perhaps most importantly, the city celebrates entrepreneurship. Young business owners aren’t outliers—they’re role models. Entrepreneurship is actively encouraged in schools and universities, and youth-led innovation has become a key driver of Dubai’s knowledge economy.
Where Disruption Is Happening
Technology and E-Commerce
In the tech industry, Gen Z founders are leveraging social platforms and digital tools to build brands at speed and scale. Ayaan Gandhi, for instance, began reselling pre-owned luxury watches on Instagram from his bedroom. Within a year, he had turned it into a business moving over USD 5 million in inventory, without ever setting foot in a retail store.
Likewise, 16-year-old Suhana Jethwani built a global audience for her digital art by bypassing traditional gallery routes, instead selling her work through an online platform she had built herself. These founders use technology not just as a support system but as the foundation of their business model.
Dubai’s startup-friendly environment, especially in digital commerce, makes these ventures possible. Platforms are accessible, payment gateways are fast, and logistics infrastructure is among the best in the region. With smartphone penetration above 90%, Gen Z founders have direct access to their customers at all times.
Fintech and Financial Services
In finance, Gen Z isn’t just embracing new technologies—they’re building them. The founders of Zywa, a youth-focused digital banking platform, launched the app to offer teens their own debit cards and a gamified finance experience. The platform rapidly scaled across the UAE and MENA region, filling a gap that traditional banks had overlooked.
The trend goes deeper. Gen Z investors in Dubai are more likely to invest in crypto, fractional shares, or sustainability-linked funds than in traditional real estate or bonds. Financial inclusion, peer-to-peer lending, and ethical investing are not just talking points—they’re part of the business models.
These trends reflect a shift in expectations: Gen Z wants banking and financial tools that are mobile, social, and intuitive. They expect transparency and personalisation—and they’re not waiting for the old guard to catch up!
Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle
In fashion and lifestyle, Gen Z founders are breaking from luxury conventions and focusing instead on values, culture, and creativity. Emirati makeup artist Leqa Al Zaabi has launched her own cosmetics line, championing diversity and self-expression. Fashion designer Wdeema Almheiri turned her personal style into a fashion label and then a salon concept, bridging digital influence with physical presence.
These businesses don’t follow the traditional “build a store” business model. They start with a community, often online, then move into a product. Many use pre-orders, drops, and collaborations to build anticipation and loyalty. The production models are agile, with a strong emphasis on ethical sourcing and sustainability.
For Gen Z, fashion is less about prestige and more about personality, and Dubai’s multicultural, trend-forward society offers the perfect testing ground for niche, purpose-led brands.
Real Estate and PropTech
Real estate may seem like a surprising space for Gen Z disruption, but their impact is already visible. Young property entrepreneurs are leveraging platforms, virtual reality, and smart home integrations to make the process of buying, renting, or investing in property more seamless and transparent.
Virtual property tours—once a novelty—are now expected. Some Gen Z buyers in Dubai tour properties entirely online before closing deals. Others are building startups that facilitate fractional property ownership or digital-first brokerage services tailored to younger, mobile-native buyers.
The trend isn’t just about tech—it’s about priorities. Gen Z buyers look for energy efficiency, flexible layouts, and community features. Developers are responding with greener buildings, improved connectivity, and payment plans tailored to younger incomes. Even in this legacy sector, Gen Z’s influence is reshaping what success looks like.
Food and Beverage
Dubai’s F&B scene has seen a wave of Gen Z-led concepts that combine social media virality with culinary creativity. Mama Rita, launched by then-20-something Jessica Kahawaty and her mother during lockdown, is a perfect example. The delivery-only concept took off thanks to authentic storytelling, Instagram-worthy branding, and food that evoked a sense of home.
Other young founders are experimenting with ghost kitchens, subscription meal kits, and lifestyle-branded cafés that double as event spaces. Their advantage? A deep familiarity with social media algorithms, influencer marketing, and online ordering systems.
Instead of focusing solely on recipes or cuisine, these founders prioritise experiences, sustainability, storytelling, and community. And it works. Their ventures grow fast, engage deeply, and resonate with Dubai’s diverse, experience-seeking population.
The Ecosystem Powering the Next Generation
Building Bold Businesses with DUQE
At the heart of this youth-driven business shift is DUQE—Dubai’s purpose-built launchpad for entrepreneurs. Located aboard the iconic QE2 in Port Rashid, DUQE offers more than just trade licences. It delivers a founder-first experience that matches Gen Z’s appetite for speed, flexibility, and authenticity.
With DUQE, entrepreneurs can set up a business in just days, with 100% foreign ownership, flexible licensing options, and direct access to coworking spaces, meeting rooms, and startup support. It’s a hub designed for those who don’t want to wait for opportunity—they want to create it.
Unlike traditional free zones, DUQE curates a community of founders who are building bold brands with real purpose. Whether it’s a tech platform, lifestyle brand, or finance venture, Gen Z founders find not just infrastructure but inspiration at DUQE. It’s the ideal environment for this generation’s doers, creators, and disruptors.
Policy and Cultural Shifts That Empower Youth
Nationally, the UAE’s policies are aligned with this youth momentum. The Entrepreneurial Nation 2031 Initiative is committed to incubating 20 unicorns by the end of the decade, many of which are likely to be led by Gen Z founders. Visa reforms have made it easier for young entrepreneurs to live and build in the UAE without local sponsors. Educational programmes now feature entrepreneurship as a core component, fostering a culture where “founder” is a viable post-graduation path.
There is also a shift in mindset among families, schools, and society. Starting a business is no longer a risky or unconventional endeavour—it’s encouraged. The narrative has evolved, and the support structures have adapted accordingly.
The Long-Term Impact on Dubai’s Business Landscape
Redefining What It Means to Be a Founder
Gen Z is not just changing industries—they’re changing the very definition of entrepreneurship. The founder of 2025 is often a digital creator, part-time freelancer, investor, and business owner—all at once. They are comfortable working across projects, building in public, and monetising their skills in unconventional ways.
This generation is also more collaborative than competitive. They seek partnerships, community, and shared value creation over zero-sum thinking. Their businesses are more likely to be mission-aligned, flexible in structure, and built for evolution rather than exit.
Pressure on Legacy Businesses to Evolve
Legacy brands and industries in Dubai are feeling the pressure. Banks are revamping digital offerings. Real estate developers are offering tech-integrated properties. Retailers are launching online-first campaigns and diversifying into sustainability.
Why? Because Gen Z’s expectations are now shaping the market. If businesses want to stay relevant, they must adapt to a world where ethics, design, technology, and speed are non-negotiable. The ripple effect of Gen Z innovation is transforming not only new businesses but also established ones.
A Youth-Led Future in Motion
Dubai is witnessing the rise of a new generation of entrepreneurs who are not just participating in the economy—they’re reinventing it. Gen Z founders are using digital tools, global thinking, and values-driven strategies to build faster, smarter, and more meaningful businesses than ever before.
With DUQE and Dubai’s entrepreneur-friendly policies behind them, these young visionaries are creating bold ventures that challenge tradition and set new benchmarks. Their disruption isn’t a phase—it’s the new normal. As they grow, evolve, and scale, they are shaping Dubai into one of the most exciting places in the world to build a business for the future.
Contact us today at DUQE for more information.
FAQs
Is it Worth Doing Business in Dubai?
Yes, Dubai offers one of the most business-friendly environments in the world. With 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and a strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa, it’s a prime destination for entrepreneurs. The government has streamlined licensing processes, promoted startup ecosystems like DUQE, and invested heavily in infrastructure and innovation. Whether you’re launching a tech startup, lifestyle brand, or consultancy, Dubai provides a stable economy, access to global markets, and a high quality of life for founders and employees alike.
Why are Business People Moving to Dubai?
Business owners are relocating to Dubai due to its competitive tax advantages, investor-friendly regulations, and streamlined company formation options. Dubai permits full foreign ownership in numerous sectors. It boasts a thriving market for international trade, digital commerce, and professional services. Business people are also drawn to the lifestyle benefits—modern infrastructure, safety, year-round sunshine, and connectivity to over 200 global destinations. Free zones like DUQE make it especially attractive by offering tailored support for entrepreneurs, from setup to scale.
What are the Negatives of Living in Dubai?
While Dubai offers numerous advantages, there are also some key considerations. The cost of living—particularly housing and schooling—can be high compared to other regions. Summers are extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 45°C. Expats must also navigate residency visa rules, which are typically linked to employment or business ownership. Although Dubai is culturally diverse and tolerant, it’s important to respect local laws and customs, which may differ from Western norms. Still, for many, the benefits far outweigh these challenges.
Why are Westerners Moving to Dubai?
Westerners are relocating to Dubai for career opportunities, tax advantages, and the high quality of life. With no personal income tax, high salaries, and growing demand across industries—from finance and tech to education and design—Dubai is appealing to professionals and entrepreneurs alike. The city also offers modern amenities, world-class healthcare, and a strong expat community. Many Westerners appreciate the safety, cosmopolitan culture, and strategic access to global markets. Free zones like DUQE simplify relocation by supporting fast business setup and visa sponsorship.
Is Dubai Tax-Free?
Dubai does not levy personal income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax on individuals, making it highly attractive to entrepreneurs and professionals. Corporate tax is now applicable at a rate of 9% on net profits exceeding 375,000; however, free zones like DUQE can offer tax exemptions for qualifying activities. There is also a 5% VAT on most goods and services. Overall, Dubai’s tax regime remains one of the most favourable globally, especially for startups and SMEs looking to maximise retained earnings and reinvestment.