The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) has entered into a strategic partnership with Emarat – Emirates Petroleum Company to strengthen support for Emirati-owned SMEs and accelerate Dubai’s entrepreneurial economy.
Through this partnership, Dubai SME members will benefit from enhanced market access and reduced operational expenses across key business functions.
Exclusive advantages include discounted registration fees and per-product charges, preferential rates on advertising, payment processing, and delivery logistics, as well as reduced rental costs for kiosks, pop-up corners, and high-visibility display areas within Emarat’s network of locations.
Additionally, a jointly developed revenue-sharing model has been introduced to promote sustainable growth for participating businesses.
The agreement will contribute towards achieving the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy in the decade leading up to 2033 and further consolidate the emirate’s position as a global hub for business and leisure. It also supports the UAE Year of Community 2025, which emphasizes unlocking the potential of individuals, families, and organizations through skill-building and entrepreneurship.
Ahmad AlMheiri Acting CEO Dubai SME
“Guided the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai SME continues to foster the growth of Emirati startups by equipping them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in competitive markets. Our partnership with Emarat underscores the pivotal role of public-private collaboration in strengthening Dubai’s enterprising ecosystem, further enabling SMEs to strengthen their operational capabilities, expand visibility and reach, and contribute to sustainable growth. We remained focused on integrating Emirati talent and entrepreneurship into our growth journey as a key priority of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, boosting Dubai’s wider ambition of building a resilient, diversified economy.”
Marketing and promotional initiatives will form another central part of the collaboration, Emarat will extend branding and co-marketing opportunities to Dubai SME members, with both parties working together on joint campaigns to enhance visibility, consumer engagement, and awareness of home-grown products.
Ali Zayed Al Falasi, Acting Chief Retail Officer of Emarat, stated that, “Emarat is a home-grown brand built to serve our community, and this partnership turns that purpose into practical support for Emirati founders. By opening premium display spaces across our network and introducing lower fees, preferential service rates, and a sustainable revenue-sharing model, we’re helping SMEs reach customers faster and reduce the cost of growth.”
“Working alongside Dubai SME, we will translate the ambition of D33 and the Year of Community 2025 into real outcomes, more visibility, more sales, and a stronger pipeline of nationally owned businesses contributing to Dubai’s diversified economy,” Al Falasi added.
As part of Dubai SME’s efforts to integrate entrepreneurs and national talents into the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the establishment aims to facilitate the launch of 8,000 new Emirati businesses by 2033, raising the total number of supported enterprises to 27,000, up from 19,000 at the end of 2024.
