Page 154 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT - JULY 2025

The initiative has created new pathways for these companies to play an active role in private sector
projects, thus enhancing their contribution to GDP growth, diversifying economic resources and
fostering innovation within Abu Dhabi, in line with the UAE’s vision for a more sustainable and
diverse economy.

The programme features awareness initiatives to educate SMEs on the benefits of forging strategic
alliances with both government and private sector entities. It also supports efforts to classify
companies, develop their skills and strengthen collaboration and partnership pathways through
relevant projects. Micro-enterprises now represent over half of the registered companies, with
approximately 20 per cent of them being eligible for deals with leading institutions across both
public and private sectors.

Mouza Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said: “The Abu Dhabi SME
Champions Program acts as a bridge connecting SMEs in Abu Dhabi with leading institutions and
government entities. This helps enhance the productivity and innovation within this vital business
category, which is a cornerstone of the national economy. SMEs further play a pivotal role in
catalysing Abu Dhabi’s sustainable growth, aligning with the UAE’s broader vision for economic
development.

“Led by Khalifa Fund’s ongoing efforts to promote entrepreneurship, the programme has garnered
significant attention from Emirati entrepreneurs over the past two years, by paving the way for
collaborations with leading institutions. The programme has conducted 13 bi-monthly training
sessions to date, in collaboration with at least nine partners, focusing on skill development for
SMEs to meet market demands. This is a remarkable milestone in building a sustainable and
innovation-based economy, in line with the UAE’s aspirations to become a leading knowledge-
based and competitive economy."

The programme’s key participants include the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism,
Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, Department of Finance, Abu Dhabi
Investment Office, Family Development Foundation, Early Childhood Authority, AD Ports Group,
Miral Group, E&, Aldar Properties, Etihad Airways, EMSTEEL Group, Emirates Development Bank,
Agthia Group, ADGM, Mubadala, Masdar City, Industrial Capital Group (ICG), and United Copper
Rods LLC (UCR), among others.

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bkhbkcb-khalifa-fund-abu-dhabi-sme-champions-programme