🔹 The UAE Ministry of Economy has launched the National Programme for SMEs in Trade, Industry and Services. Participants in the programme receive credit services, training seminars and benefits in the form of a commitment from the federal authorities to provide all programme participants with at least 10% of the total number of contracts. Companies in which the government has a 25% stake must provide at least 5 of the orders to SMEs participating in the programme. Apply here. Membership is free.

🔹 The UAE Ministry of Finance has developed the Digital Procurement Platform. Under this platform, SMEs receive a 10% advantage in the calculation of the final evaluation when they participate in a tender. The government agency allows small businesses to participate in all government tenders offered by federal agencies, provided they register with the Federal Supplier Register. Companies registered in the free zone and on the mainland can receive this support. In addition, the Ministry of Financeoffers incentive packages for SMEs that participate in public tenders. In particular, SMEs are allowed not to pay a registration fee for entry in the supplier register for the first two years after setting up a business. Without incentives, registration costs AED 1K. Any SME or exporter can get measures to support by applying here.

The DubaiNEXT, which is run by the Dubai government, helps creative projects to launch a fundraising campaign. Companies or individuals set a fundraising target without the possibility of receiving the money until the target is reached. After the participant has raised the allocated amount, the money goes into the company’s bank account. If the target is not reached, the senders withdraw the amount.

🔹 The state supports SMEs through funds such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund. The fund provides commercial banks with guarantees to promote the granting of loans. If a fund participant is no longer able to repay a loan, the Ministry of Finance transfers money to the bank to settle the debt on behalf of the fund participant.

The fund is particularly relevant for SMEs in the areas of health, water resources, technology, space, renewable energy sources, transport and education. Apply here.

🔹 The Khalifa Foundation, supports SMEs with information – companies are given access to online education platforms. One of them, for example, offers a course on how SMEs can grow their business and expand their customer base through e-commerce. It is run in collaboration with the platforms Amazon.ae, e-Empower, Hello Business Hub and Noon.com.

The fund also supports exports in partnership with Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE’s state export credit agency. Under this agreement, ECI provides export credit and other trade insurance to all companies registered with the Khalifa Fund. To participate, send a request to ECI.

The organization also offers financial support and has four funding programs for participants: 

1. Huthwa. For low-capital small businesses targeting women in business. Handicrafts, crafts, and clothing industries. Funding up to AED 250K. 
2. Bedaya. For startups with low or medium capital, targeting new participants and potential entrepreneurs in business. Any field. Funding up to AED 3M. 
3. Zeyada. For existing businesses and early-stage small businesses with medium and high capital. Any field. Funding up to AED 5M. 
4. Tasnee. For any production projects that fit the Abu Dhabi industrial strategy. Funding up to AED 10M.

🔹 Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) provides support for technology companies. Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec; branch of DSO) provides startups with mentoring and financial (loans of over $150K) support through special programs like Sandbox. 

🔹 Dubai South offers support programmes for SMEs in the areas of logistics, trade, manufacturing and technology. The programmes can include tax exemptions, training, advisory services and access to finance. Register here. 

🔹 The DIFC Innovation Hub offers a $1,5K subsidy for FinTech, InsurTech, RegTech, or Islamic FinTech startups. Contact DIFC to obtain a license. 

— The AccelerateHer DIFC programme provides women in the financial sector with tools for their career development – mentoring from industry leaders and access to seminars. Join a program. 

—  Women in tech DIFC for start-ups founded by women does not offer financial support, but mentoring, training workshops and networking. For senior executives, the programme offers the opportunity to become part of the Global Council to network and collaborate. Submit an application.

— The Metaverse DIFC Accelerator Programme helps to develop experimental products for governmental and non-governmental institutions and insurance companies.

🔹 ADGM has launched a digital platform for SME financing – Numou. Through the platform, SMEs can obtain loans from Al Maryah Community Bank, RAKBANK, Commercial Bank International, CredibleX and the Khalifa Fund. RAKBANK, Mbank and CBI, for example, plan to jointly lend up to AED 220M. The platform also offers SMEs access to a selected network of service providers such as accountants, auditors and lawyers.

🔹 MEVP focuses on innovations in the aviation, travel, and tourism sectors. It has offices in Beirut, Dubai, Bahrain, and Riyadh and manages assets worth over $260M.

🔹 Bunat Ventures is a venture capital firm that operates in three key Gulf locations: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and  Bahrain. It invests in Series B startups.

Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economic Development of Dubai, has partnered with the American University in Dubai (AUD) to establish a business incubator. It provides access to counselling, workspace and a network of professionals. AUD accepts all students with an idea for a startup, especially prospective startups with a minimum viable product or a product in the idea phase.

Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) supports startups for around two years to ensure that their performance is optimised and that they achieve the expected financial return. HCT InnCuVation Spaces (located in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah) – incubators supporting students and faculty in developing innovations and provide co-working space.