The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, a part of Dubai’s Economy and Tourism Department, has announced a strategic partnership with Emirates Petroleum (Emarat) aimed at increasing support for local small and medium enterprise owners. This initiative is set to accelerate the growth of the entrepreneurial economy in Dubai.
This partnership will provide a variety of new benefits for members of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, including enhanced market presence and expansion opportunities, reduced operational costs, and lowered fees on products and registrations. Members will also enjoy preferential advertising rates, flexible payment options, delivery services, and discounted rents for kiosks, temporary spaces, and prominent display areas across Emirates’ station network. A joint revenue-sharing model will be implemented, ensuring that beneficiary startups achieve sustainable growth and long-term expansion.
The agreement contributes to the ambitious targets of Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, which aims to double the city’s economy by 2033 and enhance its global position as a leading business and entertainment hub. This move aligns with the UAE’s Community Year objectives, focusing on skill development and fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem, enabling individuals, families, and organizations to capitalize on their potential and fulfill their future aspirations.
Ahmad Al-Roumi, Acting Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, commented, “Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, we continue our commitment to nurturing UAE startups and empowering their growth and expansion by providing necessary resources and opportunities for success, despite the strong competition in the markets.”
He further stated, “The fruitful collaboration between the public and private sectors strengthens the business ecosystem in Dubai. Thus, the signing of this partnership with Emirates General Petroleum aims to broaden the support given to small and medium enterprises in the emirate, enabling them to enhance operational capabilities, ensure market presence, and ultimately contribute to sustainable local economic growth. As we strive to meet the objectives of the D33 economic agenda and build a diversified and resilient economy, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering UAE entrepreneurs and enhancing their contributions to the comprehensive growth of the emirate.”
The partnership will also focus on providing promotional and marketing support, with Emirates General Petroleum offering marketing opportunities and brand development for entrepreneurs who are members of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development. Both parties will work together to launch joint campaigns to promote local products to consumers and increase market presence and expansion for these businesses.
Ali Bin Zayed Al-Falasi, CEO of Retail Sales at Emarat, stated, “Emarat is a national brand created to serve our community, and this partnership exemplifies this mission by offering practical support to Emirati entrepreneurs. By providing distinctive display spaces within our network of stations, offering reduced fees, preferential service rates, and a sustainable revenue-sharing model, we help small and medium enterprises reach their customers more rapidly. In collaboration with Dubai for Small and Medium Enterprises, we will translate the ambitions of the D33 economic agenda and Community Year 2025 into tangible results: a stronger presence of national brands in a sustainable manner, contributing to the diversification of Dubai’s economy.”
As part of its efforts to enhance the engagement of local entrepreneurs and talents within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment aims to facilitate the launch of 8,000 new national companies by 2033, increasing the total number of businesses supported by the establishment to 27,000, up from 19,000 at the end of 2024.