Page 164 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT - JULY 2025

7/3/25, 11:29 AM KFED’s Abu Dhabi SME Champions Program facilitates 650+ deals worth AED672mln in 2024
Since its inception, the programme has been focused on supporting and encouraging SMEs to participate in
supply chain opportunities, by providing them with a robust platform for business development. 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.

H.E. 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.

For any inquiries or further information, please contact: SME.Champions@khalifafund.ae

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About Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development:

The Khalifa Fund is an independent, non-profit organisation affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Government. Its
mission is to nurture a culture of entrepreneurship, promote innovation, and offer support for small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the UAE through a balanced ecosystem.

Founded in 2007 in accordance with Law No. 14 of 2005 and its amendments, the Fund was established to
align with the vision of the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, former President of the United Arab
Emirates.

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