Dubai, UAE — Dubai’s Emirati Supplier Programme facilitated a record AED1.78 billion ($485 million) in contracts for Emirati-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2025, a 38 percent increase from the previous year, as the emirate accelerated efforts to strengthen local businesses under its long-term economic strategy.
The programme, managed by Dubai SME under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), surpassed the AED1 billion mark in government procurement for the first time since its launch, underscoring growing integration of Emirati companies into public-sector supply chains.
Officials said the results support the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 while positioning Dubai as a leading global hub for entrepreneurs and SMEs.
Government procurement leads growth
Government entities accounted for AED1.03 billion, or 58 percent of total contracts awarded through the programme, representing a 58 percent increase from 2024.
Among the largest contributors were Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Expo City Dubai Authority, Dubai Academic Health Corporation and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Under Dubai’s Law No. 16 of 2016, government entities in which the emirate holds at least a 25 percent stake must allocate 10 percent of their procurement spending to Dubai SME members.
Private sector participation expands
Semi-government entities awarded AED420.5 million in contracts, accounting for nearly a quarter of the total, led by Dubai Holding, Emirates Flight Catering and the Emirates Group.
Private-sector procurement reached AED254.9 million, with companies including Union Coop, Carrefour and Emaar Properties increasing purchases from Emirati-owned businesses.
Federal entities, including Emirates Health Services and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, contributed AED74.6 million.
More than 84 organisations now participate in the programme, creating procurement opportunities for over 1,070 registered Emirati enterprises.
Officials hail SME growth
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said SMEs remain central to the emirate’s strategy to build a diversified and sustainable economy.
“The small and medium-sized enterprises sector is a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and job creation,” he said, adding that Dubai aims to create an environment where startups can grow into globally competitive companies.
Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of DET, said the milestone reflected confidence in Emirati businesses and supported broader efforts to diversify the economy.
Acting Dubai SME chief Ahmad Al Room Almheiri said the results showed Emirati enterprises were increasingly capable of delivering large-scale projects across complex sectors, with around 80 percent of participating organisations achieving record procurement figures during the year.
