The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development to enhance cooperation in supporting entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) accredited by the Fund, enabling them to access and participate in federal procurement opportunities.

The agreement was signed at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi by Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, and Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of the Khalifa Fund, in the presence of Mariam Mohammed Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Government Financial Management.

AlKhoori said the partnership reflects the Ministry’s commitment to empowering national entrepreneurs and fostering an inclusive business ecosystem. “The MoU supports our ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships that enable SMEs to participate in the federal procurement system. We aim to provide a sustainable business environment that supports national ventures and integrates them into the federal supply chain,” he noted.

He added that the collaboration will link SMEs to commercial opportunities via the digital procurement platform, allowing them to benefit from the Ministry’s programmes such as the Federal Catalogue and the Federal Suppliers Register. AlKhoori emphasized that the Ministry continues to develop the procurement system to improve its efficiency and inclusivity, aligning with the UAE’s broader sustainability and economic diversification goals.

Mouza Obaid Al Nasri described the MoU as a “significant milestone” in empowering Emirati SMEs. “This collaboration enhances Khalifa Fund’s role as a key driver of economic diversification and competitiveness,” she said. “It prepares accredited SMEs to systematically integrate into federal supply chains, strengthens their innovation capacity, and positions them as active contributors to the UAE’s GDP and global competitiveness.”

Under the agreement, the Ministry of Finance will facilitate SME registration and the signing of framework agreements to list eligible businesses in the Federal Catalogue of Products and Services, thereby expanding their access to government procurement opportunities.

The Ministry will also develop awareness and training materials to guide SMEs through registration procedures, tender participation, and qualification as approved suppliers for federal entities. Additionally, it will coordinate with the Khalifa Fund to share business opportunities posted by federal entities on the digital procurement platform, ensuring alignment with SME sectors and activities.

For its part, the Khalifa Fund will encourage its members to register in the Federal Suppliers Register and promote opportunities available through the digital procurement platform. It will also share updated lists of its accredited members with the Ministry and jointly organize training workshops to raise awareness about registration procedures and available privileges.

The partnership aims to create a more inclusive and competitive federal procurement landscape, supporting the UAE’s vision of fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.