The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Keeta, a global food delivery platform backed by Chinese tech giant Meituan. The strategic partnership is designed to empower Emirati entrepreneurs in Abu Dhabi’s food and beverage (F&B) sector, accelerating their integration into the digital economy and expanding their reach across modern sales channels.
Quick Facts
- Khalifa Fund and Keeta partner to digitize UAE F&B startups.
- Initiative targets local entrepreneurs across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
- Programs will boost operational readiness and expand digital customer reach.
Accelerating Digital Transformation for Abu Dhabi F&B SMEs
The agreement establishes flexible commercial frameworks and growth-driven initiatives aimed at ensuring the financial sustainability of local F&B ventures. Through specialized development programs, the partnership will elevate the operational and commercial readiness of homegrown concepts, allowing them to compete effectively in a rapidly shifting market.
A key component of the collaboration involves prominently featuring KFED-supported enterprises on the Keeta app. This digital visibility is intended to highlight the national identity of these local brands while building stronger consumer trust and driving customer acquisition.
By equipping business owners with practical tools and knowledge, the initiative focuses on elevating service quality and establishing long-term operational sustainability for emerging restaurants and food concepts.
Strategic Focus on Al Ain’s Innovation Hub
Khalifa Saeed Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Sector at KFED, emphasized the necessity of digital adoption for sustainable business development. He noted that the partnership equips founders with advanced digital solutions to transform ambitious ideas into competitive enterprises.
“We pay special attention to Al Ain city as a vital center for innovation and entrepreneurship,” Al Kuwaiti stated. He added that the fund actively works to connect local projects with regional and international opportunities, enabling access to broader markets to support Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy.
Lucas Xie, General Manager of Keeta UAE, reinforced the platform’s commitment to the local ecosystem, noting that the company’s objective is to be an active participant in the region’s digital transition.
“Our role extends beyond providing delivery services to enabling the growth of national SMEs and homegrown concepts,” Xie remarked. He added that the collaboration provides a supportive environment for founders to scale confidently and build businesses that meet local market demands.
About Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development
Founded in 2007, the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development is an independent, non-profit organization operating under the Abu Dhabi government. The entity is dedicated to cultivating a robust entrepreneurship culture, encouraging innovation, and providing comprehensive support to build a balanced and sustainable ecosystem for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the United Arab Emirates.
Source: Zawya
