In UAE, a notable 36% of small businesses surveyed are women-owned, with 80% of these reporting as having launched their business in the last five years. These statistics highlight the significant presence of women in entrepreneurship in UAE and underscore their resilience, especially considering the challenging economic climate brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago.

AI is championing women entrepreneurship
Women entrepreneurs are not just running their own businesses, they are excelling with unwavering confidence. A staggering 66% of those surveyed expressed their belief in their capabilities, a testament to their well-founded strength in the business arena. Additionally, 71% agree AI will help their small business compete with larger, better-resourced companies in the next year.

For example, Emirati women are reporting saving 14 hours per week by using AI tools –such as GoDaddy Airo, an AI-powered experience which simplifies website creation, logo design and digital marketing strategies for entrepreneurs. This time saved equates to two working days per week, time which they spend on learning new skills or improving current ones (43%), coming up with creative ideas (40%), planning the future of the business (37%).

24% of women entrepreneurs in UAE are the primary income earners for their households. These women are contributing to local economies, creating new jobs and supporting families. 29% of UAE women entrepreneurs are feeling very optimistic. 66% believe their business will grow in the next 3-5 years.

Female business leaders are embracing digital tools to grow
In addition to finding fulfillment in creating their own source of income (46%) and learning new skills to run their business (41%), women entrepreneurs take joy in inventing new products or filling a gap in the market (32%).

“With AI-powered tools like GoDaddy Airo, women entrepreneurs are able to free up time to spend it on what really matters to them,” said Selina Bieber, Vice President of International Markets at GoDaddy. “Whether that is growing their business, focusing on family or enhancing their skills, women in UAE are inspiring the next generation of successful women business leaders.”

Entrepreneurship is playing an increasingly pivotal role in women’s lives with 66% of respondents saying it has enhanced their quality of life, offering a sense of fulfillment and empowerment with the opportunity to pursue their passion.

“GoDaddy’s findings confirm that technology is a powerful equalizer, enabling women to redefine their roles in business,” continued Bieber. “GoDaddy is here to support dreaming of becoming their own boss but haven’t found the time to start their own business. Starting a business is never easy, but GoDaddy Airo makes it a whole lot easier.”

Key capabilities of GoDaddy Airo include brand creation, digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO), navigated in an intuitive user-friendly interface with no technical expertise required. GoDaddy Airo generates custom logos, websites and email addresses within minutes, develops targeted social media campaigns aligned with local events and enhances online visibility with built-in AI SEO.

To learn more about GoDaddy Airo, visit: https://ae.godaddy.com/airo

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Selina Bieber, Vice President for International Markets at GoDaddy, emphasized the significance of the new experience: “GoDaddy Airo provides accessible AI-powered tools for UAE entrepreneurs to realize the benefits of AI technology to help build and grow their digital brands effortlessly.”

GoDaddy’s 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Survey reveals compelling insights that underscore Airo’s relevance in the UAE market. 45% of SMB owners reported that they seek AI for operational efficiency, while 43% aim to enhance customer engagement through AI. GoDaddy Airo directly responds to these needs, offering a comprehensive AI-powered solution that streamlines online presence creation and management.

The AI-driven features include instant brand creation, digital marketing tools, Search Engine Optimization, and a user-friendly interface that allows navigation of advanced features without technical expertise. GoDaddy Airo generates custom logos, websites, and email addresses in moments, develops targeted social media calendar aligned with local events, and enhances online visibility with built-in email marketing campaigns.

Many small business owners may feel they face challenges in leveraging new technologies, primarily due to high implementation costs and lack of in-house technical expertise. GoDaddy Airo eliminates these obstacles by providing cost-effective solutions accessible to businesses of all sizes, an intuitive design requiring no specialized skills, and comprehensive support to confidently embrace AI technology and realize its benefits to their business operations.

With 92% of small business owners surveyed say they feel confident in their ability to adopt AI and 96% recognizing its potential to improve business outcomes, GoDaddy Airo is poised to catalyze digital transformation across the UAE’s business landscape. The experience enables UAE entrepreneurs to harness the full potential of AI to help their business grow, while also fostering innovation and growth in support of the region’s dynamic economy.

GoDaddy Airo aligns with the UAE’s vision for AI and entrepreneurship. The availability of GoDaddy Airo, in English language, comes at a time when the UAE is actively investing in AI research and development, supporting the nation’s 2025 National Action Plan to accelerate AI innovations and drive economic growth. By providing accessible AI solutions to local entrepreneurs, GoDaddy Airo aligns with the UAE’s strategy of implementing cutting-edge technology across sectors, positioning itself as a AI-powered experience that enables UAE businesses to harness AI technology and support the country’s vision of a technology-driven, knowledge-based economy.

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Technology as an Enabler of Growth
The survey results underscored the critical role that technology plays in enabling small businesses to grow and compete, with 99% of Emirati entrepreneurs reporting that digitization is a key competitive advantage. 

What’s more, 99% of respondents reported digitization has significantly improved their work processes, and 98% recognized that combining online and offline sales is crucial for business success. 

These statistics illustrate a widespread adoption of digital solutions to improve customer interaction and operational efficiency, as they become increasingly integrated into everyday operations. Emirati entrepreneurs reported they most frequently use email notifications (96%), customer service tools (93%), digital invoicing (91%) to communicate with customers and operate their businesses. 

Additionally, with more small business adopting digital solutions, 59% of Emirati small business owners currently use customer relationship management (CRM) systems to track and manage customer interactions, representing a significant opportunity to further enhance customer engagement being addressed. 

Digital Investments for the Future
Looking ahead, small business owners are preparing to further invest in digital solutions to drive growth. In 2024, 94% of Emirati entrepreneurs said they planned to increase their investment in online sales and marketing efforts, reflecting a clear trend towards leveraging digital channels for business expansion.

“GoDaddy continues to serve as a champion of small businesses in the ever-evolving digital ecosystem, providing digital solutions and expert guides to entrepreneurs to start and grow a business, build a professional website, attract customers and sell their products or services. With its robust suite of online tools, GoDaddy is making opportunity more inclusive for all and supporting small businesses on their digital journeys,” said Selina Bieber, Vice President for International Markets at GoDaddy. 

Security: Accelerating Awareness for Small Businesses
As Emirati entrepreneurs continue to adopt digital solutions, cybersecurity has also emerged as an area of increased awareness. The survey found that Emirati entrepreneurs recognize the importance of having online security protections in place with 89% of small business owners reported they feel they are appropriately prepared to face a cyberattack, most commonly taking preventative measures, such as installing an antivirus software (70%) and regularly backing up data (55%). Additionally, 18% of those who have suffered a cyberattack believe it had a significant impact on their small business.

However, there are still further steps which small business owners can take to help decrease their vulnerability to a cyberattack – with 45% implementing firewalls and only 29% using encryption software. These additional protections can help to further protect a business’ digital assets.

Conclusion
As small businesses embrace digitalization, GoDaddy’s survey shows that Emirati entrepreneurs are confident to adopt new digital solutions to improve customer interaction and operational efficiency. GoDaddy empowers small businesses by providing the necessary technology, resources and support needed to grow and compete in the digital landscape.

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However, they have challenges when it comes to getting started. The top reasons for not implementing AI in the UAE reported are potential costs (46%), lack of awareness about available solutions (44%), lack of understanding of the benefits (37%), and lack of time to implement these tools (25%). To make using generative AI fast and easy, GoDaddy launched GoDaddy Airo, an AI-powered experience designed to save small business owners precious time in establishing their online presence and attract new customers.

The Right Solution for Any Small Business
GoDaddy Airo, available in English language, makes leveraging the power of AI easy for anyone wanting to start a business or take their existing one to the next level.

GoDaddy Airo, using GoDaddy’s AI Domain Search tool, can recommend catchy domain names with just a description of their business. Within minutes of purchasing a domain from GoDaddy, GoDaddy Airo can instantly generate content for the business, including:

• Unique, eye-catching logo designs that can be easily customized to fit the business.
• A fully built website, using GoDaddy’s Websites + Marketing, with a paid subscription, including imagery and content designed to help the business engage and attract customers.
• A professional email account, with a paid subscription, that strengthens the credibility and prestige of the business.

If a new or existing business wants to grow, it can quickly get plans and recommendations through GoDaddy Airo features in seconds, including:

• Comprehensive email marketing campaigns with suggested content and imagery.
• Social media calendar with recommendations of when to ideally post.

GoDaddy Airo Is Always Evolving
GoDaddy Airo is live now for small businesses to take advantage of, and even more capabilities are coming.

“GoDaddy Airo, as an AI powered experience, continuously evolves and improves ensuring that small businesses stay at the forefront of the latest technology,” said Selina Bieber, Vice President for International Markets at GoDaddy. “GoDaddy empowers entrepreneurs with online tools and solutions that combines the latest AI technology with the ease of use we’re known for, helping small businesses drive growth and stay connected with their customers.”

For more information on how GoDaddy Airo can help your business visit.

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“White Friday is a pivotal moment for businesses in the UAE, providing the opportunity to connect with customers and drive meaningful sales. By implementing some of these concepts, small businesses can help to elevate their brand, drive business growth, and cultivate lasting relationships with customers,” said Selina Bieber, Vice President for International Markets at GoDaddy.

With UAE consumers actively seeking special deals, GoDaddy offers the following six tips to help small businesses succeed this White Friday:

• Optimize Your Online Presence: Using GoDaddy’s E-Store, businesses can easily create a mobile-friendly, user-friendly online store, delivering a seamless experience that positively impacts customer purchases.
• Leverage Email Marketing: Targeted email campaigns with GoDaddy’s Email Marketing tool can engage customers with personalized messages, raising awareness of White Friday promotions and enhancing conversion rates.
• Engage on Social Media: Generate excitement for your White Friday deals on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Captivating visuals and compelling content can attract a wider audience.
• Offer Early Access Deals: Reward loyal customers by granting early access to White Friday deals, boosting engagement while fostering brand loyalty.
• Utilize Limited-Time Promotions: Offer flash sales and limited-time offers, encouraging shoppers to take action and to drive increased online traffic.
• Analyze and Learn:  Review recent sales data to better understand your customer’s preferences and behaviors, to help refining your marketing strategies.

Tools and Resources available to Help Small Businesses
Small businesses looking for guidance on how to maximize their seasonal sales can visit GoDaddy’s resources library. These free resources include information on building an online presence, e-commerce tools, digital marketing, and best practices for website development and growth, and much more.

GoDaddy remains committed to empowering UAE small businesses with online tools, guidance and insights necessary to craft effective marketing strategies, develop engaging promotions, prioritize exceptional customer service, and build success for their business.

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GoDaddy has made it easier for customers to create new websites on Managed WordPress site. Users are asked a few questions about their business and their goals for the site. GoDaddy AI takes over from there. It automatically creates a website template, with content and images, based on the answered questions. Users still have complete control over the content on their website. Before the site is published, users can review and make edits to the content to ensure it aligns to their brand and reflects accurate and up-to-date information.

“At GoDaddy, our goal is to equip entrepreneurs and designers with innovative digital tools that accelerate their journey toward digital transformation. By integrating GoDaddy Managed WordPress with generative AI, we’re offering Emirati entrepreneurs a powerful, user-friendly solution that leverages cutting-edge technology,” said Selina Bieber, Vice President for International Markets at GoDaddy.

In addition to creating a website in a few short clicks, GoDaddy AI technology is also heavily featured in the Hub, GoDaddy’s Website Designer and Developer dashboard. This enables website designers and developers to save time on daily tasks with the Hub’s integrated tools, regardless of where the sites are hosted. Additionally, the Hub helps Web Designers and Developers efficiently publish bulk site updates, automate invoices and client communications, gain performance and optimization insights, and stay on top of security with automatic threat alerts – all from one dashboard.

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“Generative AI is reshaping the future of business, and when combined with digital marketing, the results are transformative,” said Selina Bieber, Vice President for International Markets at GoDaddy, “GoDaddy continues to level the playing field by offering powerful, affordable tools that allow small businesses to elevate their marketing and achieve real success.” 

To remove these barriers and help businesses get found online, GoDaddy recently launched Digital Marketing. Digital Marketing is an all-in-one product designed to manage marketing efforts and increase the accessibility of tools like SEO, social media and email marketing, with the added benefit of a unified inbox to streamline the management of customer messages. Regardless of where their website is hosted, customers can easily integrate these tools into new and existing websites.  

93% of small business owners already leverage GenAI for their business marketing, but with varying results. Now, anyone can quickly create customized, AI-powered branded content that is relevant to their industry and their target audience, in real time. 

Digital Marketing leverages the intuitive features of GoDaddy Studio to grant entrepreneurs access to email marketing campaigns and branded images and videos. Social media is another important tool for small businesses to acquire and engage their customers, create custom AI-generated content, and schedule social media posts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, and Google. This together streamlines the process to help them grow.  

Entrepreneurs have the power to upgrade their Digital Marketing plan to unlock even more GenAI tools such as Digital Ads from Yelp to promote their business, and the Marketing Calendar. The calendar is an innovative feature that details hundreds of upcoming events and holidays – even making tailored social post suggestions you can schedule ahead of time – to ensure marketing content remains relevant and timely.   

Entrepreneurs can choose the right option for their business needs from three plans:  

Essentials – the basics needed to start marketing 

• Post on Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, and Google 
• Create and manage business listings 
• Access ideas and inspiration for custom social media posts 
• Get 10,000 monthly email sends 

Deluxe – robust tools including digital ads to help boost marketing efforts; all the features of Essentials plus: 

• Design a custom logo that fits their brand 
• Gain insights about their digital marketing plan to understand what’s working 
• Full visual view of their marketing calendar 
• Get 120,000 monthly email sends 

Ultimate – full access to powerful marketing tools to maximize their growth; all the features of Deluxe plus: 

• • Create digital ads, content, and social posts 
  • Get 750,000 monthly email sends 
  • 50,000 customer contacts for maximum reach 
  • Create unlimited branded images and videos 

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Motivations and Early Challenges
The primary catalysts for entrepreneurs to start their business were: following a passion (29%), motivated by market opportunities such as having an idea for a new product or service (20%), and aiming for financial independence (18%).

Reflecting on their journey, 71% of respondents’ businesses have been operational for five years or less, indicating a vibrant and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. Regardless of starting up recently or having more tenure, the early stages of entrepreneurship can pose multiple challenges. The top hurdles for Egyptian small business owners as they started their business included marketing their business online (56%), marketing using traditional methods (37%), and lacking expertise on website building or technology management (20%).

As these obstacles require strategic resource allocation to overcome, Egyptian entrepreneurs were thoughtful about their finances in ways to address their early challenges such as marketing their business online (27%), hiring employees (11%), and hiring a consultant (10%).

Present Challenges and Digital Transformation
As businesses grow, challenges evolve. Currently, 34% of business owners report marketing-related issues as their primary challenge, followed by customers (31%) and technology challenges (30%).

While recent investments continue to place importance on developing new products and services (11%), and marketing through traditional means (14%), it also reflects their shift toward a digital transformation, with most funds now directed towards enhancing digital infrastructure with online marketing (27%). For entrepreneurs, this transition to a more digital-centric approach can be the key to unlocking new growth opportunities and sustaining long-term success.

Seeking Guidance and Measuring Success
Mentorship has been a crucial component of the entrepreneurial journey, with 80% of business owners seeking guidance. Egyptian entrepreneurs recognize that this type of support is helpful for them to navigate the complexities of running a business and has potentially contributed to their overall success and satisfaction.

The positive impact of entrepreneurship is clear. A remarkable 98% of respondents agree that their lives have improved since they embarked on their entrepreneurial journey.

This sense of fulfillment and progress drives many to aim higher; 63% of respondents report up to half of their annual revenue comes from online sales and 98% of those whose business is currently a supplemental income hope to make it their primary source of income. Such aspirations highlight the growing reliance on digital platforms and the determination to achieve greater financial independence.

Measuring their future success, 84% of respondents have a positive outlook for their business over the next 3–5 years, showcasing their confidence and optimism in their ventures.

Conclusion
The 2024 GoDaddy Global Entrepreneurship Survey highlights the resilience and innovation of small business owners in Egypt. From initial motivations and early challenges to embracing digitization and seeking mentorship, the entrepreneurial journey is marked by growth and adaptation.

“GoDaddy is dedicated to offering the essential online tools and resources that entrepreneurs need to succeed in today’s digital world,” stated Selina Bieber, Vice President for International Markets at GoDaddy. “Our mission is to support and empower business owners at every stage, enabling them to transform their ideas into reality.”

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“At GoDaddy, our online tools can help small businesses easily create digital marketing campaigns and keep their eCommerce stores fresh for the season,” said Selina Bieber, Vice President for International Markets at GoDaddy.  “By leveraging these targeted marketing tactics, small business owners can help raise the visibility of their business, meet immediate needs of their shoppers, and build lasting customer relationships.”

1. Understand Your Shoppers’ Needs
Identify the diverse needs of students, parents, and teachers. Beyond basic school supplies, consider including electronics, apparel, shoes, and sporting goods to meet the varied demands of back-to-school shoppers.

2. Create Specialized Back-to-School Marketing Strategy
GoDaddy’s Prompt Library offers a free tool to explore AI-driven marketing strategies. This resource can help small business owners create targeted back-to-school campaigns, saving time and enhancing their marketing efforts.

3. Display Products by Buyer Personas
Tailor your offerings to different demographics. Create targeted collections and sections by grouping related items into back-to-school bundles or creating dedicated landing pages for parents, high school students, college students, and teachers.  This can make it easier for customers to find what they need and can enhance the effectiveness of a paid advertising campaign.

4. Leverage Current Trends
Stay up to date with trending topics and incorporate them into your marketing. Utilize tools like Google Trends and Think with Google’s Shopping Insights to align your promotions with popular interests, whether it’s a new app, a hit movie, or trending social media hashtags. Check school websites to see what information they are sharing for their back-to-school activities.

5. Use Back-to-School themed Content Images
Utilize GoDaddy Studio back-to-school templates to create visually appealing and easily customizable content for social media and email campaigns. Whether it’s product reviews, buying guides, or checklists, GoDaddy Studio offers a variety of tools to make marketing efforts stand out.

6. Offer Attractive Incentives
Draw shoppers in with special discounts, free shipping, buy-one-get-one deals, and loyalty rewards, and let them know they are available from your business through email and social media marketing.  These incentives can help attract new customers and encourage repeat purchases.

7. Engage on Social Media
Be active on social media to connect with your audience. Use the insights gained from these interactions to create meaningful marketing campaigns and promote your back-to-school sales.

8. Cater to Late Shoppers
Don’t overlook those who shop at the last minute. Implement urgency reminders, such as countdown banners, to encourage these last-minute shoppers to complete their purchases before school starts.

Back-to-school shopping season offers an extended opportunity for small businesses to grow their business and meet the needs of shoppers during this important time of year. By implementing these marketing tactics, small businesses can effectively target busy back-to-school shoppers and keep them informed on how their offerings can meet their needs.

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Technology has seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of Emiratis, and entrepreneurship is no exception. Small Emirati companies have eagerly embraced Artificial Intelligence to harness its potential. According to the 2024 GoDaddy Global Entrepreneurship Survey, 92% of Emirati entrepreneurs express confidence in navigating AI technologies to enhance their businesses.

The implementation this technology can bring multiple benefits and have a tangible positive impact. The entrepreneurial ecosystem’s willingness to adopt new technologies is clear, ensuring our business environment keeps pace with the rapid advancements in digitalisation. A forward-thinking mindset and adaptability are crucial in this digital era.

Entrepreneurs face numerous challenges, but it can be easier for them if they invest in AI tools to help streamline their operations. The survey shows the most compelling reasons for entrepreneurs to invest in AI tools are improved decision-making through data-driven insights (47%), potential for increased efficiency (45%), and a positive impact on customer service (45%). Additionally, when it comes to the areas they believe AI could benefit their small business the most Emiratis ranked marketing (70%) first, followed business planning and strategy (60%), and customer service (52%). Digitalisation has significantly enhanced work processes, driving growth despite existing obstacles.

Although the outlook for AI is positive, Emirati entrepreneurs face hurdles such as the potential costs (46%), a lack of awareness about the solutions available (44%), and the lack of understanding how AI can really benefit their small business (37%). Many of them also believe they do not have enough time to implement these tools (25%).

To address these challenges, there are user-friendly AI tools such as GoDaddy Studio which creates professional-looking content easily and quickly without needing advanced design skills. A free tool like this one can help entrepreneurs with their marketing efforts for their social media channels, website, customer email communications, and more.

What we can take away from all this data is that small businesses have realised how important it is to go digital, with 92% of Emiratis recognizing its significance. As small businesses embrace AI, growth becomes can become more attainable, ensuring they do not miss the digital transformation wave. Businesses that constantly innovate can be better equipped to respond to changes in the market and customer needs, ensuring they remain relevant and competitive. AI-driven innovation can lead to the development of new products and services, opening up additional revenue opportunities.

In conclusion, the embrace of AI and digitalization is not just a trend but a necessity for small businesses in UAE. The ability to adapt and innovate can help determine their success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. By investing in AI, small businesses can help drive efficiency, enhance customer service, and expand their market reach. The future of entrepreneurship in United Arab Emirates is undoubtedly digital, and those who embrace this transformation will be well-positioned for success.

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