Latest news with #AhmadAlRoomAlmheiri
CairoScene
5 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Dubai SME Facilitates Dhs 1.29 Billion in Contracts in 2024
Dubai SME Facilitates Dhs 1.29 Billion in Contracts in 2024 More than 970 Emirati businesses are currently registered with the programme, reflecting growing private-sector participation and confidence in local SMEs. Dubai SME, a division of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, reported that its Emirati Supplier Programme secured Dhs 1.29 billion in contracts for Emirati SMEs during 2024. The figure underscores the government's ongoing efforts to empower local firms and aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the emirate's economy by 2033, and supports the UAE's Year of Community. In 2024, government entities such as the Roads & Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, and Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism awarded Dhs 652.8 million worth of contracts to Dubai SME members. Semi-government bodies – notably Emirates Group, Emirates Flight Catering, and Dubai Holding – contributed Dhs 347.7 million, while federal agencies including Emirates Health Services, the Ministry of Education, and MoHRE provided Dhs 94.6 million. The private sector, led by Union Coop, Carrefour, and Emaar, added Dhs 198.9 million. Since its launch in 2002, the programme has disbursed over Dhs 12 billion in contracts, mandating that government-related entities allocate at least 10% of their procurement to Emirati-owned businesses. By embedding national firms into both public and private sector supply chains, the initiative directly supports D33's goals of diversification, SME growth, and increased non-oil GDP contribution. Acting CEO Ahmad Al Room Almheiri highlights that more than 970 Emirati businesses are currently registered with the programme, reflecting growing private-sector participation and confidence in local SMEs. He adds that professional service and technical supplies were the top-performing sectors, with services accounting for 52% of contracts and commerce 45%. By offering procurement opportunities and tailored support like mentorship, training, and financing, the Emirati Supplier Programme bolsters Dubai's SME ecosystem and positions Emirati companies to compete on a global scale—reinforcing Dubai's role as a model for entrepreneurial empowerment and accelerated growth.
Hi Dubai
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai SME Targets 8,000 New Emirati Businesses by 2033
Dubai SME is setting its sights on launching 8,000 new Emirati-owned businesses by 2033, aiming to grow its total portfolio to 27,000 enterprises, up from 19,000 at the end of 2024. Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, said the organization is integrating artificial intelligence and advanced technology across its services to better support local entrepreneurs. The move is designed to enhance market analysis, automate support processes, and offer smarter consultancy. 'AI will be instrumental in monitoring business progress and responding to challenges swiftly,' Almheiri said, adding that Dubai SME provides training to help entrepreneurs integrate AI into their operations, boosting innovation and scalability. To tackle funding gaps and high startup costs, Dubai SME offers seed and expansion capital through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Fund for SME. Startups can also benefit from commercial licences priced at AED1,000 and incubator space at the Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation, with a focus on AI, fintech, and the digital economy. The organization is also pushing for greater sustainability and productivity by offering tools like innovation grants, e-commerce onboarding support, and a procurement programme that requires government entities to source 10 percent of purchases from Dubai SME members. Dubai SME held monthly stakeholder workshops and provided more than 3,000 consultations last year, reinforcing its role as a key driver of entrepreneurship in the emirate. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Arabian Business
21-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai SME to support 8,000 new Emirati businesses by 2033
The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) aims to support the launch of 8,000 new Emirati businesses by 2033, raising the total number of supported enterprises to 27,000, up from 19,000 at the end of 2024. Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, highlighted the establishment's commitment to integrating artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to enhance its services, analyse market trends, and improve the efficiency of its support. He said Dubai SME utilises smart tools to identify opportunities, provide specialised consultancy, and deliver digital training. A significant portion of licensing and technical support processes has been automated. Dubai SME support for startups Almheiri said: 'AI will also be instrumental in monitoring business progress and enabling swift responses to challenges'. He added that Dubai SME offers training programs to equip entrepreneurs with the skills to integrate AI into their operations, thereby fostering innovation, scalability, and global competitiveness. The organisation provides seed and expansion funding through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Fund for SME, as well as commercial licences for AED1,000 ($272). Furthermore, incubator space is available at the Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation, targeting sectors such as AI, the digital economy, and fintech. Dubai SME also prioritises productivity and sustainability by offering relevant tools and resources. These include a grant programme for innovative ideas, an initiative to facilitate e-commerce entry, and a procurement programme mandating government and semi-government entities to allocate 10 per cent of their purchases to members.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai SME targets 8,000 new Emirati businesses by 2033
The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) aims to support the launch of 8,000 new Emirati businesses by 2033, raising the total number of supported enterprises to 27,000, up from 19,000 at the end of 2024. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, highlighted the establishment's commitment to integrating artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to enhance its services, analyse market trends, and improve the efficiency of its support. He elaborated that Dubai SME utilises smart tools to identify opportunities, provide specialised consultancy, and deliver digital training. A significant portion of licencing and technical support processes has been automated. 'AI will also be instrumental in monitoring business progress and enabling swift responses to challenges,' Almheiri stated. He added that Dubai SME offers training programs to equip entrepreneurs with the skills to integrate AI into their operations, thereby fostering innovation, scalability, and global competitiveness. Al Romaithi addressed key challenges faced by startups, including access to funding and high operating costs. He noted that the establishment provides seed and expansion funding through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Fund for SME, as well as commercial licences for AED1,000. Furthermore, incubator space is available at the Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation, targeting sectors such as AI, the digital economy, and fintech. Dubai SME also prioritises productivity and sustainability by offering relevant tools and resources. These include a grant programme for innovative ideas, an initiative to facilitate e-commerce entry, and a procurement programme mandating government and semi-government entities to allocate 10 percent of their purchases to Dubai SME members. Moreover, Dubai SME conducts monthly workshops with industry stakeholders and provided consultations to over 3,000 entrepreneurs in the past year.
Hi Dubai
21-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai SME Revolutionizes Entrepreneurial Landscape with Significant Milestones in 2024
The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) had a landmark year in 2024, marking significant strides in nurturing Emirati entrepreneurship and solidifying Dubai's position as a leading global business hub. With its efforts aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, Dubai SME has played a crucial role in advancing the Emirati SME sector, helping to double the size of Dubai's economy by 2033. In 2024, Dubai SME facilitated the launch of 3,461 new Emirati businesses, bringing the total number of supported SMEs to 19,904. Advisory services and mentorship benefited over 3,000 entrepreneurs, with training sessions reaching 5,498 participants—an increase of more than 200% from the previous year. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Fund for SME (MBRF) continued to empower startups with AED35.17 million in funding, supporting 44 projects in 2024 alone. Dubai SME also provided crucial relief to SMEs impacted by rainfall, offering AED2.5 million in financial aid and deferred loan repayments. Major initiatives, such as the Emirati Tech Founder Program and the Idea Lab Programme, fostered innovation in sectors like AI, IoT, and sustainable solutions. Dubai SME also continued its longstanding support at global events like Gulfood and Expand North Star, showcasing Emirati talent on the world stage. Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, emphasized the establishment's commitment to sustainable growth through innovative policies, training, and global expansion opportunities. With plans to further enhance its offerings in 2025, Dubai SME is set to continue driving Dubai's economic transformation and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. News Source: Emirates News Agency
