The Dubai Government continues to empower entrepreneurs by creating a supportive environment and implementing legislative frameworks to leverage growth
In a major boost for local entrepreneurship, the Emirati Supplier Program — managed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) — facilitated the awarding of more than AED1.29 billion in contracts to Emirati-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in 2024.
This achievement reflects Dubai’s strong and ongoing commitment to empowering national entrepreneurs, a core pillar of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033.
It also aligns with the UAE’s Year of Community in 2025, reinforcing the importance of inclusive, grassroots-driven economic growth.
Strategic support from leadership
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, reaffirmed that supporting SMEs remains a top strategic priority.
He emphasized that under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate has cultivated one of the world’s most dynamic and entrepreneur-friendly ecosystems.
Contract distribution highlights
Since its launch in 2002, Dubai SME has enabled over AED12 billion in contracts to benefit Emirati entrepreneurs. The Emirati Supplier Program, a key initiative under this mandate, requires government and semi-government entities — with 25 percent or more government ownership — to allocate at least 10 percent of their procurement spend to Dubai SME-registered companies.
Achievements in 2024
Government entities awarded AED652.8 million in contracts. Top contributors included the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Semi-government organizations contributed AED347.7 million, led by Emirates Group, Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC), and Dubai Holding.
Federal entities allocated AED94.6 million, with key participation from Emirates Health Services (EHS), the Ministry of Education (MoE), and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Private sector partners awarded AED198.9 million, led by Union Coop, Carrefour, and Emaar Properties, further signaling robust cross-sector engagement.
Empowering SMEs for national growth
By widening procurement access and reducing barriers to market entry, the Emirati Supplier Program is directly advancing Dubai’s push toward economic diversification, increased SME contribution to non-oil GDP, and the global competitiveness of local businesses.
The program also acts as a catalyst for SME development by offering integrated support services, ranging from training and mentorship to financial assistance — encouraging more entrepreneurs to register with Dubai SME and scale their ventures.
Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “The exceptional achievement of the Emirati Supplier Program is a testament to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and significantly drives forward the momentum of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
“By embedding Emirati enterprises into the supply chains of public and private sector procurement, we are accelerating economic diversification and positioning Dubai as a global model for sustainable growth. This strategic approach has already yielded remarkable enhancements in both the quality and sophistication of services provided by our SME members, demonstrating their increasing capacity to deliver excellence across critical sectors.
“Our focus remains on enabling Emirati businesses to scale effectively and compete confidently on the global stage, and these results, achieved through sustained collaboration with stakeholders across sectors, will further encourage Emirati entrepreneurs to succeed in a competitive, future-ready economic landscape.”
Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, said: “Under the guidance of our wise leadership, the Emirati Supplier Program continues to be a key driver of growth for Emirati entrepreneurs. The value of contracts awarded in 2024 is a powerful testament to the increasing confidence in our SME sectors, which now includes more than 970 national establishments registered in the programme.
“The 2024 results highlight the professional service sector’s leading role, accounting for 52 percent of government contracts and supplies though outsourcing services and facility management. The commercial sector followed with 45 percent, driven by technical devices and electronics, and food and beverages, while the industrial sector contributed 3 percent, primarily through plastic and food industries.
“The Dubai Government continues to empower entrepreneurs by creating a supportive environment and implementing legislative frameworks that enable them to discover and leverage growth opportunities. We take pride in the achievements of the Emirati Supplier Program and commend the dedication of government and semi-government entities, along with the federal and private sector partners, whose effective contributions have strengthened the programme and Emirati entrepreneurs.”
As Dubai solidifies its position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, the Emirati Supplier Program serves as a model of public-private collaboration, strengthening the national economy through inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven growth.
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