Page 161 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT - JULY 2025

7/3/25, 11:29 AM Abu Dhabi SME Champions Program Drives $183M In Deals And SME Growth By 2024
The initiative, launched in 2023 by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, was
aimed to increase the share of procurement opportunities allocated to SMEs by major private

companies as well as government entities and institutions.

This resulted in the number of registered companies growing from 835 in 2023 to 2,235 in 2024,
with the strategic partner count increasing to 20.

Since its launch, the program has helped SMEs tap into supply chain opportunities by offering a

strong platform for business development, according to the statement.

It has opened new avenues for their participation in private sector projects, boosting gross domestic

product (GDP) contribution, economic diversification, and innovation in line with the UAE’s
sustainable growth vision.

Program initiatives

The program includes awareness initiatives to help SMEs understand the value of partnerships with
government and private entities.

It also supports company classification, skill development, and collaboration on key projects.
Micro-enterprises now make up over half of registered firms, with about 20% eligible for major

procurement opportunities.

“This helps enhance the productivity and innovation within this vital business category, which is a
cornerstone of the national economy,” said Mouza Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise

Development. He added that SMEs play a pivotal role in catalyzing Abu Dhabi’s sustainable

growth, aligning with the UAE’s broader vision for economic development.

The program 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.

The program’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.

Key background

https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/industry/business/khalifa-funds-sme-champions-program-contributed-to-over-650-deals-worth-%24180m-by-2024 2/3