UN Tourism has announced the launch of the second edition of its Women in Tech Startup Competition: Middle East, aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs who are driving sustainable tourism and technology in the region.
This competition invites women-led startups based in the Middle East, specifically those operating within the tourism sector and related industries. To qualify, startups must provide sustainable solutions that benefit people, the planet, and prosperity. Eligible enterprises can be at the early stage, idea stage, or Series A stage.
This year’s competition includes three categories: one for startups emphasizing environmental and sustainable approaches in education technology and wellness, another for those utilizing eco-friendly methods in green infrastructure and travel logistics, and a third aimed at companies applying emerging technologies to tourism.
Key partners, including Almosafer, Plug and Play, AIM, The Bench, Impulse4Women, and Bilakatu, will provide mentorship, visibility, consultancy, and potential investment opportunities for the winning startups. This year’s applications will be processed via Plug and Play’s global innovation platform, and finalists will join the UN Tourism Innovation Network.
The launch was made known during the AIM Congress in Abu Dhabi, UAE, at a special UN Tourism Investment Forum session titled “Investing in Innovation and Enabling Women Entrepreneurs.”
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Following the success of the inaugural competition, which attracted over 140 startups from 11 countries, last year’s winners included Fosha (Egypt), Sparkle Haze (UAE), Plastus Biotech (Saudi Arabia), and Xenios Academy (UAE), who were recognized during World Tourism Day celebrations in Riyadh.
UN Tourism is dedicated to enhancing the impact of tourism on women’s lives, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 5—Gender Equality. The organization actively supports women entrepreneurs to advance the tourism sector and foster inclusivity.
UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona emphasized the importance of empowering female entrepreneurs, stating, “It is crucial to empower female entrepreneurs in the Middle East with innovative business proposals that positively impact society and respect the environment, supporting sustainable development in the growing tourism sector.”
Since 2018, UN Tourism has initiated over 25 startup competitions and innovation challenges globally, involving more than 20,000 participants and mapping over 350 startups with over $2 billion in funding. The organization remains committed to promoting digitalization and innovation to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, positioning tourism as a catalyst for positive transformation and inclusive economic development.
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