Articles
A Look at the SME Sphere in the UAE
January 04, 2021
A Look at the SME Sphere in the UAE
2020 has resulted in unprecedented changes to the environment of the global economy, and in turn, challenged the UAE’s economy. Although among some of the hardest hit and most vulnerable enterprises due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SMEs remained resilient in the face of these limitations with several incentives and means of financial support established by the UAE government.
The government aims to enhance the contribution and performance of the SME sector with initiatives such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development and the Khalifa Fund. The implementation of these funds reiterate how vital SMEs are to the UAE’s economic structure, and the need for these businesses to function due to the valuable opportunities they offer.
According to the Ministry of Economy, the SME sector represents more than 94 per cent of the total number of companies operating in the country, and contribute 52 per cent of the UAE’s non-oil GDP. SMEs also provide jobs for more than 86 per cent of the private sector’s workforce in the region.
Developing and sustaining non-oil sectors through SMEs is a continual key objective for the Ministry as it allows them to diversify their industries beyond oil revenue. It further ensures the growth of the national economy through a wide range of ventures considering multiple SME sectors such as education, healthcare, technology, fashion, F&B and construction.
A hub for innovative entrepreneurship, Dubai is one of the best cities for investment due to an abundance of resources for start-ups and a stable business climate.
For insight on what is currently progressing, here are some of the most active SME sectors in the UAE based on finalists of the Gulf Capital SME Awards of 2020 (sourced from MEED).
B2B Small Businesses of the Year
- Align On Demand Labors Supply Services LLC
Align is a manpower service provider that aims to help businesses grow in a sustainable environment.
- Aleph Hospitality
Aleph Hospitality is a full service hotel management company that assists with a range of services such as site selection, construction and pre-opening, through to the ongoing operation of the hotel.
- COEGA Sunwear
COEGA manufactures durable swimwear and swimming accessories using eco-friendly fabrics made with Lycra Xtra Life fibre.
- Kingston Stanley
Kingston Stanley is a specialist digital, marketing, tech and support services recruitment agency.
- Levtech Consulting LLC
Levtech Consulting is a Microsoft Gold Partner and a Cloud Service Provider helps organizations drive digital transformation through Microsoft Business Solutions.
- MILKSHAKE MEDIA FZ LLC
Milkshake Media is a Dubai-based production house with an expertise in TV commercials, visual content, still-photography and animation.
- Tridel Technologies
Tridel Technologies is an organization that provides environmental solutions that integrate environmental science, engineering, and technology.
B2C Small Business of the Year
- Bait Al Kandora
Bait Al Kandora is the first Emirati & Gulf designer menswear brand in the UAE that offers quality tailored bespoke & ready-to-wear kandoras, as well as handmade Italian leather footwear, bags and wallets.
- Carlease Rent a Car LLC
Carlease Rent a Car provides short term, long term and monthly car rental, car hiring and leasing in Dubai and the UAE.
- Munchbox
Munchbox is a food delivery service in the UAE that offers clean and healthy diet options such as gluten-free, vegan, keto, baked, vegan, low carb & calorie, high protein, and no sugar added snacks.
- splash n party
Splash ’n’ Party is Dubai’s newest waterpark for kids that caters to birthday parties, kids events and other special events on-site at their venue or at home.
- Stu Williamson Photography
STU is a professional photography studio that provides services across a range of disciplines, from portrait photography, food and drink, weddings and engagement, real estate, corporate events etc.
- Xpert Learning FZLLC
XpertLearning is a consultancy focused on enhancing human talent by providing performance solutions to corporate, academic and government sectors.
Emirati Business of the Year
- Hamdan Al Shamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants
Hamdan AlShamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants is a legal practice that provides legal litigation and consultancy expertise. They offer services in areas such as: Banking & Finance Law, Construction Law, Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, Intellectual Property Law, Maritime Law, Employment (Labour) Law, and Real Estate Law.
- Organic tattoos cosmetics
Organic tattoos cosmetics is the first concept of semi-permanent tattoos in the UAE, allowing people to experiment with tattoos without breaking religious and traditional ideologies.
- The Date Room
The Date Room is an Emirati brand that produces and delivers luxury dates and gift boxes for any and all occasions.
- V I P & PROTOCOL EVENTS MANAGEMENT
VIP Protocol is an Emirati events company providing VIP & protocol management services to private and government entities.
