Dubai: The Emirati Supplier Programme, managed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has facilitated contracts worth more than AED1.78 billion for Emirati SMEs in 2025. This marks a significant 38 percent increase from AED1.29 billion in 2024.
According to Emirates News Agency, the programme is a pivotal component of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. The recent figures underscore the Government of Dubai's dedication to empowering Emirati enterprises, reinforcing their role in economic growth in line with the D33 agenda, which aims to double Dubai's economy by 2033 and position it as the fastest-growing and most attractive business hub for SMEs and entrepreneurs. Notably, procurement from government entities exceeded AED1 billion for the first time in the programme's history, highlighting the programme's significance as a major SME enablement mechanism in the region and demonstrating the maturity of the emirate's SME ecosystem.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, emphasized the collaboration between government, semi-government, and private sectors in creating opportunities for Emirati enterprises. He stressed that empowering SMEs and entrepreneurs is a national priority that supports Dubai's long-term economic development and commended Dubai SME's role in expanding opportunities for this sector.
Dubai SME, along with its partners, continues to support initiatives under the Emirati Supplier Programme. Law 16 of 2016 mandates that government departments and entities with at least 25 percent government equity allocate 10 percent of their procurement to Dubai SME members, ensuring consistent opportunities for Emirati-owned businesses.
The 2025 results reflect a maturing ecosystem where Emirati enterprises excel across various sectors. Government entities led with over AED1.03 billion in contracts, accounting for 58 percent of total procurement and a 58 percent increase from 2024. Significant contributions came from Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police Department, Expo City Dubai Authority, and others.
The semi-government sector contributed AED420.5 million (24 percent of total procurement), with major entities like Dubai Holding, Emirates Flight Catering, and the Emirates Group leading the efforts. Private sector engagement also increased, with AED254.9 million (14 percent of total) in contracts awarded by Union Coop, Carrefour, and Emaar Properties, reflecting growing confidence in Emirati businesses. Federal entities added AED74.6 million (4 percent of total) through partnerships with Emirates Health Services and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
To date, over 84 entities have partnered with Dubai SME under the Emirati Supplier Programme, creating significant opportunities for 1,070 registered Emirati enterprises and strengthening their integration into critical supply chains.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, stated that under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this milestone reflects Dubai's commitment to the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. He emphasized the Emirati Supplier Programme's role in economic diversification, enhancing competitiveness, and building a resilient private sector that supports Dubai's long-term growth.
Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, noted that the programme's 2025 performance highlights the strengthening of Dubai's SME ecosystem and the growing capability of Emirati enterprises. He confirmed that Emirati businesses are delivering at scale, contributing significantly to the city's economic transformation, and emphasized the priority of ensuring SMEs have the capacity, governance, and market access necessary to compete and contribute to Dubai's long-term economic development.
The expansion of the Emirati Supplier Programme underscores Dubai's commitment to empowering Emirati enterprises and embedding SMEs within essential economic clusters, reinforcing its position as a model for SME empowerment and demonstrating the impact of structured public-private collaboration.
