How the Dubai Traders Program is supporting the growth of Dubai-based SMEs
As part of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), an initiative announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) launched the Dubai Traders Program to accelerate the digital growth of Dubai-based SMEs.
This initiative is currently hosted on platforms Amazon and noon, enabling small businesses to strengthen their digital presence and expand their customer reach.
As outlined in the Invest in Dubai mission statement for the initiative, 'SMEs are the backbone of Dubai's economy and critical enablers of accelerated economic growth. By investing in the success of local businesses, the Dubai Traders initiative will directly contribute to achieving D33's strategic goals – namely, empowering the community, fostering innovation, strengthening the digital economy and increasing the contribution of SMEs.'
According to noon, businesses enrolled in the program have seen significant gains. A reported 160 per cent increase in sales was recorded among participants over nine months.
'The UAE is an incredible launchpad for entrepreneurs. Through this partnership with Dubai DET, we're helping local businesses not just get online – but grow, scale, and win in the digital economy,' said Raman Kumar, GM of Commercial at noon.
This program supports participating, local businesses on noon support through onboarding support, training and access to e-commerce tools and logistics infrastructure. Additional benefits include advertising credits and product visibility on the platform. The initiative also supports quick-commerce capabilities, enabling faster deliveries and a smoother customer experience.
Sellers enrolled on Mahali, noon's platform for Emirati-owned businesses, have access to additional benefits that include reduced selling rates and business guidance. One such case is Yashem, an entrepreneur selling oud products, who saw a 13.5 per cent increase in sales since joining the program.
The program is part of the broader Dubai Traders initiative, launched under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which seeks to position Dubai as a global hub for digital commerce by equipping SMEs with the tools needed to expand both locally and internationally.
DET and noon plan to scale the program further to reach more sellers and broaden category support in the coming phases.
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