The report highlights a growing fear of failure among aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. The latest research reveals that nearly half (49%) of respondents in 2024 said they would not start a business due to fear of failure, up from 44% in 2019. While many people still recognize good business opportunities, more individuals hesitate to act on them. The report underscores the need for stronger support systems—such as financial assistance, training, and mentorship—to help mitigate risks and encourage entrepreneurship. The report also examines uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in entrepreneurship. When asked about AI’s role in their business strategy over the next three years, a significant number of new business owners responded with uncertainty or a lack of awareness. In 36 of 49 economies, fewer than 30% of early-stage entrepreneurs consider AI to be "very important." The report calls for educational initiatives to raise awareness about AI’s potential impact on business innovation and competitiveness. For the fourth year in a row, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks first in the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), which evaluates entrepreneurial conditions across 56 economies. Despite a decline in its overall NECI score from 7.7 in 2023 to 7.1 in 2024, the UAE remains a global leader, with 11 out of 13 framework conditions ranked highest among all economies. Its strong infrastructure, regulatory framework, and business support systems continue to foster a dynamic entrepreneurial environment.