Dubai SME Collaborates with noon Food to Empower Emirati F&B Startups

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has teamed up with noon Food to bolster Emirati-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the food and beverage (F&B) industry.

This partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), outlining a targeted approach to onboard eligible Dubai SME members onto noon’s digital platform, enabling them to tap into a broad customer base, delivery systems, payment options, and marketing initiatives.

This initiative is in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which envisions doubling the emirate’s economy by 2033 while reinforcing its status as a global center for SMEs and entrepreneurship.

As part of this agreement, noon Food will waive onboarding charges for SMEs involved in the program. Furthermore, a unique five-year commission structure will be established, starting at 10% during the first year and gradually reaching 20% by the fifth year. Additional marketing support will include ad credits and increased visibility during significant seasonal promotions, crucial for helping these businesses attract customers and grow sustainably.

Operational assistance is also part of the partnership, which encompasses onboarding help, expert guidance, dedicated account management, and monthly performance assessments. These resources are aimed at enhancing SME performance and ensuring transparency.

Dubai SME’s involvement will be pivotal in identifying qualified F&B entrepreneurs, promoting this initiative, and overseeing effective implementation to maximize the benefits for Emirati businesses.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, stated that this collaboration will forge new pathways for local entrepreneurs by merging governmental support with the capabilities of a digital platform. He highlighted that the initiative aims to cultivate sustainable growth for SMEs, enabling them to compete effectively in the digital landscape.

Faraz Khalid, Group CEO of noon, emphasized that the partnership will equip Emirati businesses with the essential tools and infrastructure to expand swiftly while aligning with Dubai’s economic aspirations.

With SMEs constituting more than 95% of registered enterprises in Dubai, they are crucial for job creation, innovation, and economic diversification. Emirati-owned F&B enterprises, in particular, significantly influence the development of Dubai’s food sector and digital commerce.

Through this five-year collaboration, Dubai SME and noon Food aim to enhance market access, amplify brand presence, and expedite digital evolution for local F&B entrepreneurs.