Dubai SME, the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, has set a goal to support the launch of 8,000 new Emirati businesses by 2033. It also aims to increase the total number of enterprises it backs to 27,000, up from 19,000 by the end of 2024.

To achieve this, Dubai SME is leveraging smart tools to analyse market trends, identify opportunities, and enhance its consultancy and digital training services. A significant portion of its licensing and technical support processes has already been automated, boosting operational efficiency.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, emphasised the establishment’s growing focus on artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to improve its offerings. “AI will also be instrumental in monitoring business progress and enabling swift responses to challenges,” Almheiri said.

As part of its broader strategy, Dubai SME is equipping entrepreneurs with the skills to integrate AI into their businesses through targeted training programs.

Alongside advisory services, it offers financial support via the Mohammed Bin Rashid Fund for SME, providing both seed and expansion capital. Entrepreneurs can also obtain commercial licences at a subsidised rate of $272.

To foster innovation, Dubai SME offers incubator space at the Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation, focusing on high-growth sectors such as AI, the digital economy, and fintech.

Supporting productivity and sustainability is also a key priority for Dubai SME. The organisation offers resources, including a grant program for innovative ideas, initiatives to facilitate entry into e-commerce, and a procurement policy requiring government and semi-government entities to allocate at least 10% of their purchases to member businesses.