Crown Prince of Dubai:
Dubai Values Entrepreneurship as a Fundamental Pillar for a Resilient and Progressive Economy
The Emirate is Committed to Empowering SMEs and Creating a Supportive Environment for Their Growth
Supporting Entrepreneurial Projects is a Strategic Priority for Dubai’s Government from Concept to Global Expansion
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, emphasized that Dubai’s dedication to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and fostering an environment for their growth stems from recognizing the positive impact of entrepreneurship as a fundamental pillar for a resilient and evolving economy, as well as a powerful engine for innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth.
Emirati Supplier Secures AED 12 Billion in Contracts Aimed at Strengthening Emerging National Projects
AED 94.6 Million in Federal Contracts Supported by the Emirates Health Services and Ministries of Education and Human Resources
He further affirmed that Dubai, under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has established one of the world’s most enabling business ecosystems, particularly in supporting entrepreneurs from the initial idea stage through to global expansion. Efforts continue to enhance this ecosystem by creating a comprehensive environment that reduces barriers, simplifies regulations, and broadens access to capital, talent, and new markets. Supporting the success and growth of SMEs and entrepreneurship remains a strategic priority for the Dubai government as it aims to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
This statement coincided with the announcement of the Emirati Supplier Program, managed by the Mohammed bin Rashid Foundation for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, which is part of the Dubai Economic and Tourism Department, showcasing its contribution in securing contracts for its members worth over AED 1.29 billion in 2024.
The 2024 program results reflect the Dubai government’s strong commitment to empowering SMEs and enhancing their role in accelerating economic growth in alignment with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033.
Since its inception, the program has enabled transactions exceeding AED 12 billion, providing exceptional opportunities for emerging Emirati projects across various sectors.
According to the program, government entities and those where the government holds a 25% or greater stake are required to allocate 10% of their procurement to Emirates-based firms that are members of the Mohammed bin Rashid Foundation for Small and Medium Enterprises Development.
The 2024 results affirm the effective role played by governmental, semi-governmental, federal entities, and the private sector in supporting the development of SMEs. Government institutions awarded procurement contracts totaling AED 652.8 million to members of the foundation, with significant contributions from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, and the Dubai Economic and Tourism Department.
Semi-government entities contributed contracts totaling AED 347.7 million, led by Emirates Group, Emirates Flight Catering, and Dubai Holding.
Federal entities contributed AED 94.6 million in procurement, with significant participation from the Emirates Health Services, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Additionally, private sector partners have strengthened their support for Emirati enterprises by awarding contracts worth AED 198.9 million from leading institutions such as Union Coop, Carrefour, and Emaar Properties.
The Emirati Supplier Program supports enhancing procurement opportunities for local businesses, directly contributing to the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 aimed at boosting economic diversification and global competitiveness for local projects, alongside increasing SMEs’ contribution to Dubai’s non-oil GDP.
This initiative reflects the government’s relentless efforts to establish a sustainable economy based on innovation, wherein national enterprises, characterized by resilience and efficiency, play a vital role in supporting and affirming growth opportunities.
His Excellency Hilaal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Economic and Tourism Department, stated: “In line with the ambitious vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this achievement reflects Dubai’s ongoing commitment to achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and strengthens our future vision for building a diverse, resilient, and innovation-driven economy.
Distinctive strategic initiatives like the Emirati Supplier Program enhance opportunities for national enterprises to engage with key entities, laying the groundwork for a competitive private sector capable of achieving sustainable growth.”
He added, “While we continue to strengthen the ecosystem that empowers national projects and Emirati entrepreneurs, we remain committed to creating additional sustainable and valuable opportunities for them both locally and globally.”
Incentive for Growth
In this context, Ahmad Al Mehairi, Acting Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Foundation for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, stated: “The Emirati Supplier Program continues to operate under the wise leadership’s directives to serve as a major incentive for Emirati entrepreneurs to grow.
The value of contracts recorded in 2024 is evidence of the growing confidence in our SME sector, which has over 970 registered national enterprises within the program.”
Looking at the 2024 results, the professional sector accounted for 52% in outsourcing and facility management services, followed by the commercial sector at 45% for procurement and supplies, such as technological devices, electronics, food items, and beverages. The industrial sector constituted 3% in plastic manufacturing and food production.
He added: “The Dubai government is committed to providing all forms of support to entrepreneurs by creating a facilitating environment and suitable legislative frameworks that empower them to discover and activate additional growth opportunities. We take pride in the results achieved by the Emirati Supplier Program and commend the efforts of all stakeholders, including government and semi-government entities, as well as several federal entities and the private sector, for their effective contributions to supporting the program and SMEs.”
Al Mehairi confirmed that more than 73 entities are committed to their partnership with the foundation, significantly aiding national talents, particularly emerging entrepreneurs, thereby enhancing their capacities as key contributors to national economic GDP.
The Emirati Supplier Program strengthens SMEs’ confidence in government support, thus encouraging more entrepreneurs to register with the Mohammed bin Rashid Foundation for Small and Medium Enterprises Development to benefit from its services, including supervision, guidance, workshops, and financial support.
Regarding the overall landscape of the sector, the program highlights the growing importance of both public and private sectors in enhancing UAE competitiveness, thereby establishing Dubai as a model for fostering entrepreneurship worldwide and ensuring its leading position on the global economic map.