Emirati SMEs secure $485 million in contracts under Dubai supplier program

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has reviewed the latest results of the Emirati Supplier Program, which awarded more than $485 million in contracts to Emirati small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2025.

Managed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, a subsidiary of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the program recorded a 38% increase in contract awards, reaching $351 million in 2024.

According to the Dubai Government, the results reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen the role of Emirati enterprises in supporting economic growth under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and position the emirate among the world’s leading destinations for SMEs and entrepreneurship.

Government procurement exceeded $272 million for the first time since the program’s launch, marking a significant milestone in the integration of Emirati businesses into public sector supply chains.

Sheikh Hamdan said SMEs remain a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and job creation, adding that Dubai continues to focus on fostering an environment that enables startups to scale into globally competitive businesses.

The program is supported by Law No. 16 of 2016, which requires Dubai government departments and entities in which the government holds at least a 25% stake to allocate 10% of their procurement spending to members of Dubai SME.

Government entities accounted for more than $280 million in contracts in 2025, representing 58% of total procurement and an increase of 58% compared with the previous year.

Among the largest contributors were Dubai Municipality, which recorded the highest contract value, alongside the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Expo City Dubai Authority, Dubai Academic Health Corporation, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

Semi-government entities awarded $114.5 million in contracts, accounting for 24% of the total. Major contributors included Dubai Holding, Emirates Flight Catering, and The Emirates Group.

Private sector participation also increased, with $69.4 million in contracts awarded through Union Coop, Carrefour, and Emaar Properties. Supporting federal entities, including Emirates Health Services and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, contributed a further $20.3 million.

To date, more than 84 organizations have partnered with Dubai SME through the Emirati Supplier Program, creating procurement opportunities for 1,070 Emirati-owned enterprises across a range of strategic sectors.

According to Dubai SME, the program’s continued expansion reflects Dubai’s long-term strategy to strengthen Emirati entrepreneurship, increase SME participation in strategic supply chains, and promote public-private collaboration as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.

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