MENA’s startup ecosystem has been growing rapidly, fueled by robust government support, increased venture capital funding, and an evolving entrepreneurial culture. Governments across the region are implementing initiatives designed to create an environment conducive to innovation. For instance, the UAE's efforts to attract global talent through relaxed visa policies and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which includes a focus on diversifying the economy, have created a fertile ground for startups. These initiatives have helped position MENA as a key player in the global startup scene.
Inclusive business practices are becoming an integral part of the region's entrepreneurial fabric. Many MENA-based startups have recognized that fostering an inclusive environment goes beyond hiring policies. The focus is now on designing products and services that meet the needs of underserved communities and minority groups. Companies are increasingly incorporating diverse perspectives into their decision-making processes, which enhances creativity and leads to innovative solutions that resonate with a wider audience.
Several successful startups across the MENA region are offering powerful examples of how inclusion can lead to growth. In Egypt, for instance, fintech startups like Fawry are reaching millions of previously underserved customers, making financial services accessible to lower-income communities. Similarly, the healthcare startup Vezeeta, based in Egypt and expanding regionally, has developed a platform that improves healthcare accessibility through a network of doctors and medical services that cater to a diverse range of patients.
The expansion of these startups is not solely due to the demand for their services but also their approach to tackling social issues. For example, in Saudi Arabia, the female-led startup SheWorks is bridging the gender gap in the workforce by providing a platform for women to find flexible job opportunities, empowering them economically and socially. These initiatives demonstrate how startups in MENA are intertwining economic goals with social impact, resulting in businesses that are both profitable and socially responsible.
Inclusivity in the MENA startup ecosystem also extends to the founders and investors themselves. Women entrepreneurs, once underrepresented in the region, are increasingly taking center stage in the startup world. Reports show a growing number of women-led businesses across the region, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where gender equality is slowly but steadily gaining traction. The rise of women investors in venture capital firms further signals this shift toward inclusivity. According to various reports, female investors are helping to identify and support startups that champion social causes and gender diversity, ensuring that DEI becomes a fundamental aspect of the startup funding ecosystem.
Startups in MENA are placing significant emphasis on hiring individuals with disabilities, creating more inclusive workplaces that cater to a broader range of talent. Companies like Dubai-based startup Ability demonstrate how inclusion can contribute to both economic and social progress by hiring people with disabilities and providing them with the necessary tools and training to succeed. This kind of inclusive hiring practice not only creates job opportunities for marginalized groups but also fosters a more diverse and capable workforce, which ultimately drives innovation and productivity.
In addition to creating opportunities within the workforce, startups in the region are also prioritizing inclusivity in their product designs. As tech companies develop new platforms and apps, there is a growing focus on ensuring these services are accessible to people with various needs, whether related to disabilities or socio-economic status. For example, mobile apps developed by MENA startups now often feature multilingual interfaces to cater to the region’s diverse population, which includes Arabic speakers, expatriates, and tourists.
The MENA region’s evolving approach to inclusivity is not only a matter of social responsibility but also a strategic business decision. In a region marked by rapid economic transformation, businesses must adapt to changing consumer expectations, which increasingly prioritize companies that demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. As consumers become more aware of corporate social responsibility, startups that fail to embrace inclusivity risk losing their market share to competitors that align with these values.
The global impact of this shift toward inclusivity in the MENA region is beginning to be felt as well. International investors are recognizing the potential of MENA-based startups that prioritize inclusion and are backing companies that demonstrate both financial and social value. This has opened up new avenues for startups to scale internationally, attracting capital and expertise from abroad. The increased flow of investments is enabling MENA startups to expand beyond regional borders, thus contributing to the global economy.