Dubai SME Facilitates AED1.78 Billion in Contracts for Emirati Businesses in 2025
The Emirati Supplier Program currently includes partnerships with more than 84 organizations, creating procurement opportunities for 1,070 registered Emirati enterprises.
You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.
The Emirati Supplier Program, managed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), has facilitated the award of more than AED1.78 billion (US$484.6 million) in contracts to Emirati small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2025.
The total represents a 38% increase from AED1.29 billion in 2024 and marks the highest procurement value recorded since the program was launched.
Managed by Dubai SME, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the initiative supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by increasing procurement opportunities for Emirati-owned businesses and strengthening their participation in the emirate’s economy.
According to Dubai SME, procurement from Dubai government entities exceeded AED1 billion for the first time, reaching more than AED1.03 billion and accounting for 58% of total procurement under the program. This represented a 58% increase compared to 2024.
Government entities contributing to the total included Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Police, Expo City Dubai Authority, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
The semi-government sector accounted for AED420.5 million, or 24% of total procurement, led by organizations including Dubai Holding, Emirates Flight Catering, and the Emirates Group.
Private sector companies awarded AED254.9 million in contracts, representing 14% of the total. Participating companies included Union Coop, Carrefour, and Emaar Properties.
Federal entities contributed AED74.6 million, or 4% of procurement, through partnerships with Emirates Health Services and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization.
The program currently includes partnerships with more than 84 organizations, creating procurement opportunities for 1,070 registered Emirati enterprises.
Under Dubai Law No. 16 of 2016, government departments and entities in which the government holds at least a 25% ownership stake are required to allocate 10% of their procurement spending to Dubai SME members.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said SMEs remain a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and job creation, adding that the government is committed to creating an environment that enables startups and entrepreneurs to grow into globally competitive businesses.
“Guided by the visionary leadership of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the direction of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this milestone is a strong statement of confidence in the Emirati enterprise community that Dubai has built,” Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said. “It also reflects Dubai’s continued commitment to advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, by developing policies that turn ambitious priorities into measurable, lasting change. Through the Emirati Supplier Programme, we are reinforcing economic diversification, enhancing competitiveness, and building a resilient private sector that contributes meaningfully to Dubai’s long-term growth.”
Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), added: “The performance of the Emirati Supplier Programme in 2025 reflects the continued strengthening of Dubai’s SME ecosystem and the growing capability of Emirati enterprises to deliver across complex and high-value sectors. About 80% of participating and supporting entities delivered record results in 2025, reflecting their commitment to supporting Emirati businesses and entrepreneurship in Dubai. The results confirm that Emirati enterprises are delivering at scale and contributing meaningfully to the city’s economic transformation. Our priority remains to ensure that SMEs are equipped with the operational capacity, governance standards, and market access needed to compete confidently and contribute sustainably to Dubai’s long-term economic development.”
According to Dubai SME, the continued expansion of the Emirati Supplier Program reflects ongoing efforts to increase procurement opportunities for Emirati-owned businesses and strengthen their integration into supply chains across key sectors of Dubai’s economy.
The Emirati Supplier Program, managed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), has facilitated the award of more than AED1.78 billion (US$484.6 million) in contracts to Emirati small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2025.
The total represents a 38% increase from AED1.29 billion in 2024 and marks the highest procurement value recorded since the program was launched.
Managed by Dubai SME, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the initiative supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by increasing procurement opportunities for Emirati-owned businesses and strengthening their participation in the emirate’s economy.
Entrepreneur Middle East Staff
Entrepreneur Staff
