Page 122 - KFED PR REPORT - APRIL 2026

4/20/26, 10:13 AM Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development: Supporting long-term growth of UAE SMEs
The Fund has partnered with Keeta to bring SMEs onto digital
platforms. How do these collaborations contribute to the UAE’s digital

economy ambitions, and how do you measure their success in building
resilient businesses?

The partnership between Khalifa Fund and Keeta plays an important role in advancing the UAE’s
digital economy ambitions by helping SMEs, especially in the F&B sector, move into digital
platforms. By onboarding homegrown businesses onto delivery and online sales channels, the
collaboration allows entrepreneurs to reach wider audiences, increase their visibility, and generate
more consistent revenue streams.

This directly supports the UAE’s broader vision of building a digitally enabled, future-ready
economy driven by agile and tech-integrated SMEs. Simultaneously, SMEs are supported through
training and specialized programs that improve their operational readiness, service quality, and
overall competitiveness.

At Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, we measure the success of SMEs through tangible
outcomes, including increased sales, stronger customer reach, and improved financial sustainability.
We also look at digital adoption rates and the ability of businesses to sustain operations across both
physical and digital channels as key indicators of resilience. Ultimately, the partnership helps build
more resilient national enterprises that are competitive and well-positioned to contribute to a
diversified, innovation-driven economy.

The Fund recently supported Emirati SMEs to participate in

international platforms like Gulfood 2026. How does exposure to global

markets contribute to building resilience and long-term
competitiveness for SMEs?

We have supported a diverse range of Emirati ventures on global platforms like Gulfood 2026,
enabling them to grow beyond local markets and build long-term resilience. By showcasing their
products on international platforms, SMEs can access new customers, form partnerships, and explore
export opportunities. More importantly, global exposure shifts the mindset of entrepreneurs from
operating locally to thinking competitively on an international scale.

This exposure also helps them to understand global trends, improve product quality, and meet
international standards. Moreover, competing on a global stage strengthens their confidence and
brand positioning. Overall, it enables national businesses to diversify their revenue, reduce reliance
on local demand, and become more sustainable in the long run.

Read: Lessons from a capital allocator

Scaling is one thing, resilience is another. What separates the SMEs

that thrive beyond their third year, and what single piece of advice

would you give entrepreneurs aiming to build sustainable businesses
for the long term?

https://economymiddleeast.com/news/khalifa-fund-for-enterprise-development-supporting-long-term-growth-of-uae-smes/ 3/4