Majid Al Futtaim has unveiled the first cohort of Ma’an, a new platform designed to support UAE-based creative SMEs, with 27 local enterprises set to gain access to the group’s retail and entertainment ecosystem.

Launched in partnership with Dubai SME, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the initiative aims to help homegrown businesses overcome barriers to market entry by providing complimentary access to premium retail environments and high-footfall consumer audiences. The platform aligns with the Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio launched by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority under the direction of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The initiative is designed to connect creative businesses with retail and exhibition opportunities across Dubai while supporting the emirate’s broader ambition to strengthen its creative economy.

As part of the first cohort, 27 UAE-based creative enterprises will be integrated across Majid Al Futtaim’s lifestyle and entertainment brands, including THAT Concept Store, Crate & Barrel, VOX Cinemas, Activate, and iFLY at City Center Mirdif.

Majid Al Futtaim said the initiative was created as a long-term platform rather than a one-off activation, with plans to expand across additional shopping malls, retail outlets, and entertainment destinations in the coming weeks. The program will also provide participating businesses with influencer and media amplification support at no cost.

Khalifa Bin Braik, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and integrating creative businesses into its destinations.

“Creative entrepreneurs bring fresh energy, ideas, and originality to our destinations, and we’re proud to welcome this first cohort into the Majid Al Futtaim ecosystem,” he said.

“Their talent enriches the experiences we create for our customers every day. Integrating local creatives across our malls and entertainment destinations is a natural extension of how we support homegrown businesses and nurture the next generation of retail innovators.”

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said the initiative supports the authority’s efforts to help entrepreneurs and creatives transform ideas into sustainable economic value while reaching wider audiences and markets.

She added that the first cohort demonstrates the implementation of the Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio’s objectives by providing free access to multi-purpose spaces that support the growth of Dubai’s cultural and creative industries.

The selected brands in the first cohort include Beit Walif, Bliss Flowers, BON PROTEIN BAR, Boonz, Cookie Barn, Drypt Coffee, Grawtitude PlantBased, Joy in Jars, Macromize, Maison Remie, Maison Tini, Matcha Theory FZCO, Nada Fayyad, Nomads Roastery, Nutty’nola, Oomi Coffee, Pluto, Proyo, Risen Café & Artisanal Bakery, Silsal, So Much Trouble, Studio Chloro, Superfoods On The Go (OTG), The Fix Coffee, Wellness Works UAE, Zaid Farouki, and 530 Carats.

Additional businesses are expected to join as Ma’an expands its support for UAE-based creative enterprises across the region.