Emirates Development Bank Launches AED 1 Billion Fund to Boost UAE SMEs
Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has launched the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF), a AED 1 billion equity platform aimed at accelerating the growth and global competitiveness of UAE-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Announced at the Make it in the Emirates Forum, the fund targets high-potential SMEs in strategic sectors including Manufacturing, Food Security, Healthcare, and Advanced Technology. EGF offers patient capital and strategic support to businesses with revenues starting from AED 10 million, providing investments between AED 10 million and AED 50 million per company.
Designed to address the funding gap for companies that have outgrown venture capital but aren't yet ready for traditional private equity, EGF combines minority equity stakes with hands-on value creation. The fund focuses on helping founders scale sustainably, enhance governance, and build resilient national champions.
The initiative supports the UAE's Operation 300bn strategy, which aims to raise the industrial sector's contribution to GDP to AED 300 billion by 2031. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of EDB, described the fund as a 'bold, future-focused step' that will strengthen industrial competitiveness and supply chain resilience.
EGF is chaired by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports, with Najla Ahmed Al Midfa serving as Vice Chair and Managing Director. The board includes leaders from across the public and private sectors.
In its first move, the fund announced an investment in Tarmeem Healthcare Holding LTD, marking the beginning of a portfolio designed to deliver measurable national impact.
EGF is positioned to play a key role in shaping the UAE's next economic chapter by empowering SMEs that drive innovation, job creation, and long-term growth.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
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