Strategic Partnership Supports SMEs Growth in Dubai Economy

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has signed a strategic partnership with Emarat – Emirates Petroleum Company (PJSC). The agreement is aimed at supporting Emirati-owned SMEs and accelerating Dubai’s entrepreneurial economy.

This collaboration aligns with the broader vision of Dubai’s Economic Agenda, D33, which seeks to double the emirate’s economy by 2033. It also complements the UAE Year of Community 2025, which focuses on entrepreneurship and skill-building.

Benefits for Emirati SMEs

Under the partnership, Dubai SME members will gain access to a wide range of benefits. These include discounts on registration fees and per-product charges, preferential rates for advertising, payment processing, and delivery logistics.

Businesses will also enjoy discounted rental for kiosks, pop-up corners, and high-visibility display areas across Emarat’s network. Additionally, a jointly developed revenue-sharing model ensures sustainable growth for participating SMEs while providing practical operational support.

Vision and Leadership Support

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, highlighted the importance of the partnership in equipping Emirati startups with the resources they need to succeed. “Guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai SME continues to support national entrepreneurs. This partnership with Emarat strengthens Dubai’s enterprising ecosystem and helps SMEs expand visibility, operational capabilities, and contribute to sustainable growth,” he said.

Marketing and Promotional Initiatives

Marketing and promotional initiatives form a central pillar of the partnership. Emarat will offer branding and co-marketing opportunities for participating SMEs, with joint campaigns aimed at increasing consumer engagement and raising awareness of local products.

Ali Zayed Al Falasi, Acting Chief Retail Officer of Emarat, said, “This partnership turns our purpose as a home-grown brand into practical support for Emirati founders. By offering premium display spaces, lower fees, preferential service rates, and a sustainable revenue-sharing model, we are helping SMEs reach customers faster and reduce growth costs.”

Contribution to Dubai’s Economic Goals

The collaboration also supports Dubai SME’s goal to launch 8,000 new Emirati businesses by 2033. This will increase the total number of supported enterprises to 27,000, up from 19,000 at the end of 2024.

The partnership between Dubai SME and Emarat represents a major step in strengthening the UAE’s SME ecosystem. It fosters national talent, provides operational and marketing support, and promotes sustainable economic growth in line with Dubai’s long-term strategic goals.

By offering practical solutions and preferential services, the partnership helps SMEs reduce operational costs, expand market reach, and increase brand visibility. The initiative is expected to boost entrepreneurship in Dubai while supporting the broader UAE economy.

This collaboration underscores Dubai’s commitment to building a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and enhancing opportunities for locally owned businesses, ensuring long-term sustainable growth and innovation in the SME sector.