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6/28/24, 11:46 AM Dubai SME Members Awarded Contracts Worth AED1.27 Billion In 2023 – Dubai Blog
Dubai SME Members Awarded Contracts Worth AED1.27 Billion

In 2023

Emirati SME suppliers associated with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises
Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), were awarded AED1.27 billion in
contracts and purchases in 2023 from local and federal government entities, semi-government organisations and private
businesses. The latest figures were announced on the occasion of the UN-designated Micro -, Small and Medium Sized
Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, marked internationally this year on 27 June, recognising the role MSMEs play worldwide in
transforming economies, supporting growth and fostering job creation.

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 to Dubai SME
members in 2023 is also a testament to the commitment of government, semi-government, federal and private sector entities
to empower the SME landscape in the emirate. Through these efforts, we can partner with agile, innovative small and medium
enterprises and encourage them to leverage their unique capabilities to deliver impactful projects that position our
communities for long-term prosperity, while fostering a vibrant and inclusive business ecosystem that benefits all
stakeholders.”

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