Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, recently assessed the outcomes of the Emirati Supplier Program. This initiative has successfully allocated over $485 million in contracts to Emirati small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2025, marking a significant advancement in supporting local businesses.

Performance Overview of the Emirati Supplier Program

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development oversees this impactful program, which recorded a 38% growth in contract awards, totaling $351 million in 2024. This upward trend underscores Dubai’s unwavering commitment to bolster the role of Emirati enterprises in driving economic progress, particularly in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This ambitious blueprint aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033, enhancing its status as a hub for SMEs and entrepreneurship.

In 2025, government procurement reached an impressive figure of over $272 million for the first time since the program’s inception. This landmark achievement illustrates the increasing integration of Emirati businesses into the public sector’s supply chains. According to Sheikh Hamdan, SMEs play a crucial role in economic development, driving innovation and job creation while establishing a fertile environment for startups to thrive and evolve into internationally competitive enterprises.

Government Commitment and Support for SMEs

Law No. 16 of 2016 underscores the government’s support for SMEs, mandating that all Dubai government departments and entities with at least a 25% government stake allocate 10% of their procurement budgets to Dubai SMEs. Remarkably, in 2025, government entities alone accounted for contracts worth over $280 million, representing 58% of total procurement and a substantial increase from the previous year.

Key contributors included prominent organizations such as Dubai Municipality, which had the highest contract value, alongside other significant entities like the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Expo City Dubai Authority, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Additionally, semi-government organizations awarded $114.5 million in contracts, equating to 24% of the total, with Dubai Holding and Emirates Flight Catering being among the major players.

Moreover, participation from the private sector also saw a rise, with contracts amounting to $69.4 million issued by firms like Union Coop, Carrefour, and Emaar Properties. Federal entities such as Emirates Health Services and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation contributed an additional $20.3 million, forming a robust procurement network that benefits the local economy.

Forging Opportunities through Collaboration

The Emirati Supplier Program has seen partnerships with over 84 organizations, creating procurement opportunities for approximately 1,070 Emirati-owned enterprises in various strategic sectors. This ongoing expansion signifies Dubai’s commitment to enhancing Emirati entrepreneurship and increasing SME participation in vital supply chains.

The program’s growth exemplifies a comprehensive strategy that not only focuses on bolstering Emirati businesses but also fosters collaboration between public and private sectors. By facilitating sustainable economic development, the Emirati Supplier Program serves as a catalyst for future growth, establishing Dubai as a leading destination for SMEs in the global landscape.

Through continued investment and strategic collaborations, Dubai is set to solidify its position as a thriving center for entrepreneurship, driving innovation and economic prosperity in the years ahead.