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7/3/25, 11:31 AM Khalifa Fund’s Abu Dhabi SME Champions Program Facilitates 652 Deals Worth AED 672 Million in 2024

Business

Jul 02, 2025 202 20

Khalifa Fund’s Abu Dhabi SME Champions Program Facilitates 652

Deals Worth AED 672 Million In 2024

The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, through its flagship initiative, the Abu Dhabi SME Champions Program, has successfully
facilitated over 652 business deals in 2024 with a total value of AED 672 million, marking a major milestone in its mission to empower
small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the emirate.

Launched in 2023 by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the program aims to enhance procurement access
for SMEs by connecting them with leading government and private sector entities. The initiative focuses on increasing local SME participation
in high-value sectors such as information technology, consultancy, advertising, and event management.
The number of registered SMEs in the program rose from 835 in 2023 to 2,235 in 2024, while the number of strategic partners grew to 20.
The program provides a robust platform to support SMEs through supply chain integration, directly contributing to GDP growth, economic
diversification, and innovation, aligning with the UAE’s long-term vision for a sustainable and knowledge-based economy.

Empowering SMEs Through Partnerships And Training

The program features strategic initiatives aimed at educating SMEs about the benefits of forming alliances with major institutions. It also
supports company classification, skills development, and targeted collaborations to ensure SMEs are equipped to meet evolving market
demands.

Micro-enterprises now represent more than 50% of registered businesses, with approximately 20% qualifying for contracts with leading
public and private organizations.
H.E. Mouza Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, emphasized the significance of the program, stating:

“The Abu Dhabi SME Champions Program acts as a bridge connecting SMEs with leading institutions and government entities. This helps
enhance productivity and innovation within this vital business category, which is a cornerstone of the national economy. SMEs play a pivotal
role in catalyzing Abu Dhabi’s sustainable growth, in alignment with the UAE’s broader economic vision.”

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