Page 71 - SLC PR REPORT - JUNE 2024

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of

Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, said: "The support extended to small and
medium enterprises in Dubai reflects the steadfast commitment of His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and
Ruler of Dubai, to empowering entrepreneurs to generate new value for the economy. A
key pillar of His Highness’s vision for development, SMEs play a crucial role in fostering
innovation, competitiveness and sustainability. The SME sector is also a key catalyst in
realising the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to double the size of the emirate’s
economy and transform it into one of the world's top three urban economies by 2033. The
achievements of SMEs reflect the vast potential of the nation’s entrepreneurial talent and
our ability to provide a dynamic ecosystem where they can thrive and contribute
significantly to Dubai's economic surge."

Launched in 2002, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,
the Dubai Government’s procurement policy mandates government bodies and affiliated
entities, in which the government holds 25% or more equity, to allocate 10% of their
procurement to Emirati companies affiliated with Dubai SME.

Dubai SME aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Dubai by enabling
Emirati SMEs to meet the requirements of government, semi-government and private
entities. From 2002 until the end of 2023, the total value of contracts awarded to Emirati
entrepreneurs reached AED10.91 billion. The objectives of Dubai SME are aligned with
the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to further consolidate Dubai’s position as
one of the top three global cities for business and leisure.

Emirati entrepreneurs and national enterprises were awarded contracts from Dubai
Government entities worth AED606million in 2023, with federal government entities

extending support amounting to AED94.46 million. Semi-government entities contributed
AED332 million, while the contributions of private sector establishments reached
AED238.48 million.

His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy
and Tourism (DET), said: “As an integral component of our growth strategy for SMEs,
Dubai SME aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the
ambitious goals of the D33 Agenda. The establishment recognises SMEs as a crucial
foundation of Dubai’s economy, playing a pivotal role through the success of many
enterprising Emirati ventures across the city. The significant value of contracts awarded

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