The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), an agency of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has announced a strategic collaboration with global technology leader Google. The partnership introduces a pioneering initiative designed to elevate the digital competitiveness of Emirati-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and expand their international reach.
A Pilot Program to Elevate Digital Capabilities
This initiative will launch as a pilot programme, empowering a select group of 10 high-potential Emirati businesses. The initial phase is designed as a proof of concept to address key challenges faced by smaller enterprises, including modest budgets, the need for digital marketing expertise, and limited access to major advertising platforms.
Participants will gain access to premium digital marketing tools, advertising credits, and expert mentorship, enabling them to compete on a global scale with a significantly lower capital outlay.
Martin Roeske, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google MENA, commented, “Technology is the great equalizer. It allows a traditional family business to reach the same global customers as a high-tech unicorn. By teaming up with Dubai SME, we’re putting Google’s most advanced AI tools, together with ads credits and mentorship, directly into the hands of Emirati entrepreneurs – giving them the precision to make every dirham count and compete on a world stage.”
Following a successful pilot, the validated strategies and resources will be scaled into a broader industry-wide programme to benefit a larger cohort of SMEs.
Innovative Co-Funding Model
A core feature of the collaboration is its unique tripartite co-funding model. The total investment for each participating business will be shared equally among Dubai SME, Google, and the SME itself. This structure is intended to promote a sense of ownership, accountability, and long-term capability building within the participating businesses.
Beyond financial support, the programme will provide professional strategic guidance and creative support. Participants will leverage DET’s marketing expertise and its network of partners, receiving practical mentorship on digital strategy, content creation, and campaign optimisation to enhance their digital performance.
Fostering Dubai’s D33 Economic Vision
This initiative directly supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to position Dubai as the fastest-growing and most attractive business hub for SMEs and local champions. By equipping Emirati entrepreneurs with advanced digital tools and expertise, the collaboration aims to foster innovation and sustainable growth within the local economy.
Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, stated, “Under the visionary leadership guiding Dubai’s transformation, SMEs represent both the driving force and future of Dubai’s economy. This pioneering collaboration with Google exemplifies how strategic collaboration between government and the private sector can transform challenges into opportunities for Emirati entrepreneurs. By investing in genuine digital capability, we are ensuring Emirati businesses can scale with confidence, compete on the global stage, and play their vital role in achieving the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.”
About Dubai SME
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) is a subsidiary of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It serves as a key resource for support, information, and outreach for the SME sector. Dubai SME is committed to driving the growth of Emirati entrepreneurship, enabling SMEs to increase their contribution to Dubai’s economy, and promoting innovation and leadership across all segments of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Source: Zawya
