With small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) making up over 95% of all registered companies in Dubai, government-backed agency Dubai SME is doubling down on its mandate to keep them competitive. In a detailed outline of its strategy, Acting CEO Ahmad Al Room Almheiri explained how the organization is deploying targeted programs, private sector partnerships, and policy support to strengthen the emirate’s entrepreneurial foundation, aligning with the ambitious Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
Quick Facts
- SMEs account for over 95% of Dubai’s registered companies.
- Goal: Support 8,000 new Emirati businesses by 2033.
- Initiatives are aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
A Strategic Push Aligned with Dubai’s D33 Agenda
SMEs are a fundamental component of Dubai’s economic diversification and are central to its growth, which saw the emirate’s GDP expand by 5.4% in 2025 to reach AED 937 billion. Dubai SME, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), aims to build on this momentum by facilitating the launch of 8,000 new Emirati businesses by 2033.
This effort is designed to increase the total number of supported enterprises from 19,000 at the end of 2024 to 27,000, directly contributing to the D33 agenda’s goal of doubling the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade.
“Our focus is on ensuring that entrepreneurs operate within a structured, stable and well-supported environment,” said Almheiri. “We work to provide entrepreneurs with clear pathways to funding, incubation, market access and strategic guidance that allows them to navigate evolving conditions with confidence.”
Forging Market Access Through Key Partnerships
A core pillar of Dubai SME’s strategy is creating tangible commercial opportunities through a robust partnership model. The organization is collaborating with major private sector players to give startups direct entry into established markets.
Initiatives like Dubai Traders help SMEs enter the e-commerce space with structured onboarding and digital training. A key collaboration with IQ Fulfillment provides startups with reliable logistics solutions, while the Emirati Chef’s Table program focuses on market readiness for F&B businesses.
A recent partnership with Majid Al Futtaim through the Ma’an initiative offers SMEs direct commercial pathways into high-traffic retail, leisure, and entertainment destinations. In parallel, the Founders of Tomorrow program, developed with INJAZ UAE, connects university-level innovation with real-world government and corporate challenges, ensuring new ventures are market-driven from day one.
Building Long-Term Resilience and Nurturing Youth Talent
Beyond immediate market access, Dubai SME is focused on equipping founders with tools for sustainable growth. Collaborations with global tech giants like Google and Amazon are strengthening SMEs’ digital capabilities, operational analytics, and online reach. A partnership with Plug and Play creates structured innovation opportunities, allowing entrepreneurs to develop solutions for real business challenges posed by government and private entities.
To foster the next generation of founders, the organization recently launched Majlis Al Mustaqbal, a program designed to empower young entrepreneurs. The first edition, running from April 28-30, 2026, will provide a hands-on environment for participants to access mentorship and turn concepts into investor-ready pitches.
This support is reinforced by the broader government framework, including a recent AED 1 billion economic incentive package introduced to safeguard business liquidity and operational continuity across various sectors.
How to Engage with Dubai SME
For entrepreneurs looking to launch or scale in the emirate, Dubai SME offers a structured pathway to navigate the ecosystem. The organization provides advisory support, access to funding and incubation programs, and partnerships that open direct commercial opportunities.
“What sets Dubai apart is not only the strength of the market itself, but the ecosystem around it, from regulatory clarity and world-class infrastructure to direct access to customers, investors, and strategic partners,” Almheiri noted.
Collaborations with platforms like Majid Al Futtaim and talabat provide procurement opportunities and access to digital marketplaces, offering founders a direct route to growth.
About Dubai SME
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) is an agency of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It was established to foster and develop the SME sector in the Emirate of Dubai. The organization provides entrepreneurs with critical support, including funding, incubation, advisory services, and market access, to help them launch, grow, and sustain their businesses.
Source: Economy Middle East
