Dubai: Emirati entrepreneurs and national enterprises affiliated with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), were awarded approximately Dh1.12 billion worth of contracts and purchases in 2022 under the Government Procurement Programme (GPP), a growth of over 21.5 per cent compared to 2021.
The contracts were secured by Dubai SME members from several local and federal government entities, semi-government organisations and private businesses.
The GPP requires government and other entities in which the government holds 25 per cent or more equity, to allocate 10 per cent of their purchasing to Emirati companies that are members of Dubai SME.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, stated that the emirate continues to enhance the supportive environment necessary for small and medium enterprises to thrive. SMEs represent a major pillar of the economy, and the government is committed to providing them with the growth-friendly ecosystem needed to launch new ventures, tap opportunities and expand their business, both in the country and beyond its borders, he added.
Sheikh Hamdan also stressed that Dubai is keen to create opportunities for Emirati SMEs to access markets and raise the uptake of their products, services and solutions. “Dubai will continue to build on its status as one of the best platforms for SMEs to thrive. The Government Procurement Programme reflects our commitment to empowering SMEs and raising their contributions to Dubai’s sustainable economic development,” he said.
The contribution of Dubai government entities towards the programme in 2022 was worth Dh552.51 million, while federal government entities granted contracts worth Dh88.25 million. Semi-government entities contributed Dh267.65 million, while private sector establishments provided support amounting to Dh214.17 million.
The GPP has been playing a significant role in facilitating the success of Emirati entrepreneurs since its inception in 2002, contributing up to Dh9.64 billion in contracts and purchases by the end of 2022. The programme has been instrumental in supporting members of Dubai SME to meet the market’s demands and has served as a vital component in promoting entrepreneurship in the emirate.
