Abu dhabi: Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Keeta, a food delivery platform supported by Meituan, to empower Emirati entrepreneurs in the capital's food and beverage (F and B) sector. This collaboration aims to accelerate the integration of these businesses into the digital economy.
According to Emirates News Agency, the partnership focuses on strengthening the presence of homegrown businesses, startups, and SMEs across modern sales channels. It also aims to provide a support ecosystem that will help businesses expand their customer reach and drive sustainable growth. The agreement was formalized by Khalifa Saeed Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Sector at KFED, and Lucas Xie, General Manager of Keeta UAE, with Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of KFED, in attendance.
Specialized development programs will be introduced to enhance the operational and commercial readiness of enterprises. These programs aim to strengthen the competitiveness of these businesses in a rapidly evolving market. The collaboration seeks to equip entrepreneurs with practical tools and knowledge to drive sustainability, elevate service quality, and showcase their brands in a manner that reflects their national identity and builds consumer trust.
Khalifa Saeed Al Kuwaiti emphasized the importance of the collaboration in ongoing efforts to empower Emirati entrepreneurs. He noted that Al Ain is a key hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, with a focus on strengthening local enterprises and linking them to regional and international opportunities. This will support Abu Dhabi's diversified and sustainable economy.
Lucas Xie of Keeta highlighted that the company's role extends beyond delivery services to enabling the growth of national SMEs and homegrown concepts. The MoU aims to foster a supportive environment that empowers entrepreneurs to scale with confidence and build sustainable businesses aligned with local market needs.
The collaboration between Khalifa Fund and Keeta represents a forward-thinking approach to advancing Emirati entrepreneurship. By leveraging KFED's expertise in SME development and Keeta's digital and operational capabilities, the partnership supports a vision of fostering a resilient business ecosystem that drives sustainable growth and long-term success for national enterprises.
