The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Chambers have announced significant first-year achievements for Dubai Traders, a key initiative under the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. Since its launch in September 2024, the program has successfully onboarded over 2,400 new e-commerce sellers, solidifying its role as a powerful growth engine for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
A D33 Agenda Success Story
As a flagship program of the D33 Agenda, which aims to double Dubai’s economy by 2033, Dubai Traders has demonstrated impressive results. In just 12 months, the initiative not only onboarded 2,400 new sellers but also provided tailored growth support to 1,000 existing online sellers.
The program has seen strong participation from local entrepreneurs, with over 370 Emirati-owned businesses joining to date, accounting for 15% of the total participants.
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), commented on the milestone, “Under the guidance of our visionary leadership, the Dubai Traders programme has moved from rollout to measurable impact in just 12 months, reflecting our commitment to create opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses to succeed in a rapidly growing digital economy.”
Strategic Partnerships Fuel Growth
The success of Dubai Traders is built on strategic collaborations with e-commerce giants noon and Amazon. These partnerships provide SMEs with critical support, including hands-on onboarding, licensing assistance, advertising credits, prioritized product placement, and dedicated account management.
This comprehensive support system has lowered barriers to entry and accelerated the digital transformation for businesses across Dubai, enabling them to reach millions of customers.
Faraz Khalid, CEO of noon Group, stated, “Dubai Traders has proven that when you connect ambition with infrastructure, growth becomes inevitable. We’re proud to help create real momentum for Dubai’s entrepreneurs, empowering sellers with the tools, data, and reach to compete on a global stage.”
Jasmin Frick, Director of Seller Success at Amazon Middle East and North Africa, added, “The remarkable success of Dubai Traders in its first year demonstrates the immense potential of our local business community to succeed in the digital economy. What’s particularly encouraging is the rapid growth they’re achieving within months of joining the programme.”
Tangible Impact for Local Sellers
Sellers participating in the program have experienced substantial growth. On noon, 42% of sellers expanded into new product categories, 63% added new stock keeping units (SKUs), and one in three multiplied their monthly gross merchandise value (GMV) within their first month.
On Amazon, Emirati and women-owned businesses represented 23% and 35% of onboarded sellers, respectively. Notably, 15% of participating sellers have already expanded internationally, with another 40% preparing to follow suit.
Rami Rabia, owner of Al Nassma Chocolate Factory LLC, shared his experience, “Joining Dubai Traders gave us far more than a place in online retail – it gave us the right guidance to grow. From listing support and advice on launching new products, to personalised help with advertising and exploring international opportunities, the programme has been there at every step.”
About Dubai Traders
Dubai Traders is a flagship initiative of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Chambers. Launched in September 2024, the program aims to empower Dubai-based SMEs by providing them with the tools, support, and access needed to thrive in the digital economy. Through strategic partnerships with leading e-commerce platforms like noon and Amazon, it helps local businesses enhance their online visibility, access global customer bases, and accelerate their growth in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
Source: Zawya
