Emirati Supplier Programme boosts SME contracts by 38%, supporting Dubai’s D33 ambitions.
Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has recognised a number of government, semi-government and private sector organisations for their role in expanding procurement opportunities for Emirati-owned businesses.
The recognition was presented under the Emirati Supplier Programme, managed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The honoured entities were among the leading contributors to a strong year for the programme, with Emirati suppliers securing contracts worth more than Dh1.78 billion in 2025. The deals helped strengthen the participation of local SMEs in procurement and supply chains while contributing to Dubai’s wider economic development.
Sheikh Hamdan received representatives of the recognised organisations at Dubai’s stand on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, was also present.
Among the government entities recognised were Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority, and the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). Dubai Holding, Emirates Flight Catering and Emirates Group were honoured in the semi-government category, while Union Coop, Majid Al Futtaim and Emaar Properties were recognised from the private sector.
DIEZ received additional recognition for recording the strongest increase in its support for Emirati suppliers and the value of contracts awarded to them over the previous two years.
The event was attended by senior officials including Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Roads and Transport Authority; Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality; Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police; and Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, alongside senior representatives from semi-government and private sector organisations.
The Emirati Supplier Programme is a key pillar of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. The value of contracts facilitated through the initiative increased by 38 per cent year-on-year in 2025, reflecting Dubai’s efforts to strengthen Emirati-owned businesses and expand their contribution to the economy.
The programme also supports the wider objectives of D33, which seeks to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 while reinforcing the emirate’s position as a leading global destination for SMEs and entrepreneurs.
Since its launch in 2002, the Emirati Supplier Programme has facilitated more than Dh14 billion in contracts for Emirati entrepreneurs across a wide range of sectors.
Under Law No. 16 of 2016, Dubai government departments and entities in which the government holds a stake of 25 per cent or more are required to allocate at least 10 per cent of their procurement to Dubai SME members. The requirement provides Emirati-owned businesses with consistent access to procurement opportunities and supports their participation in Dubai’s economy.
