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
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