The Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, has successfully concluded the National Forum for Small and Medium Enterprises – Public Procurement 2026. The event witnessed the signing of 55 contracts between seven participating government entities and Emirati small and medium enterprises, amounting to 78.6 million dirhams.
The aim of these new partnerships is to enhance the participation of small and medium enterprises in the public procurement system, supporting their growth and sustainability, which contributes to the achievement of national economic development goals.
It is anticipated that the forum will generate additional contracts for national small and medium enterprises valued at 100 million dirhams in the near future, consequently increasing these enterprises’ opportunities for expansion and involvement in larger government projects, thereby fostering the growth and success of national entrepreneurship.
The forum saw substantial participation from federal and local entities, national companies, and Emirati entrepreneurs, with over 1,300 attendees over the two days. This provided direct networking opportunities and the chance to forge new partnerships, along with workshops and panel discussions addressing best practices in public procurement and ways to empower local businesses to contribute more significantly to the national economy.
The forum resulted in several positive outcomes, directly impacting Emirati entrepreneurs and small business owners. It offered a direct platform for dialogue between contract awarding entities and Emirati entrepreneurs to identify challenges faced by both parties and work towards addressing them.
Additionally, it enhanced communication with financing bodies to take advantage of their product offerings that support public procurement. The sessions focused on educating small and medium enterprise owners about the mechanisms and procedures for participating in public procurement tenders and learning about the latest expertise in the field, which supports the sustainability and growth of these businesses.
During the forum, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism signed five memoranda of understanding with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation, Etisalat Group, Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Ports, and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar).
These memoranda aim to create more contracting opportunities for Emirati entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises in public procurement tenders, enhancing their capacity for sustainable growth and contributing to the national economy while encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry, signed the agreements.
Alongside him were Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for Intellectual Property Sector at the ministry; Badriya Al-Midour, Assistant Undersecretary for Supporting Services Sector; and representatives from partner organizations, including Captain Mohamed Jumaa Al Shamisi, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group.
Captain Majid Al Marzouqi, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Airways; Marwan Al Suwaidi, Executive Director for Financial Affairs and Investments at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation; Said Al Zarouni, CEO of Procurement at Etisalat Group; and Khalifa Youssef Al Mehairi, Chief Operating Officer at Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) also signed the agreements.
Abdullah Al Saleh stated that the outcomes of the forum reflect the ministry’s commitment to establishing a comprehensive public procurement system that relies on collaboration and integration with government entities and major national companies, empowering small and medium enterprises, which comprise approximately 95% of all operating businesses in the country and contribute 63% to the Gross Domestic Product.