How the Abu Dhabi SME Champions Program is Redefining Business Growth in the UAE?

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are at the heart of economic transformation, and in Abu Dhabi, they’re getting the boost they need to thrive. 

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) launched the SME Champions Program with a clear vision: to make SMEs a cornerstone of the UAE’s long-term, diversified economy and to boost business setup in Abu Dhabi. 

Since its launch, the program has already facilitated $183 million worth of procurement deals, connecting SMEs to new opportunities that would otherwise take years to achieve. From local startups breaking into major supply chains to established SMEs scaling their services, the initiative is proving to be a real catalyst for growth. 
 
- Tackling the Challenges SMEs Face 

Like many global markets, SMEs in Abu Dhabi have traditionally struggled with limited access to finance, difficulty competing with large suppliers, and low visibility among potential clients. The SME Champions Program is directly addressing these barriers by: 

  • Linking SMEs with large public and private buyers 
  • Hosting matchmaking and training sessions 
  • Encouraging procurement policies that allocate budgets specifically for SMEs 

This creates a more inclusive environment where smaller businesses can compete and thrive. 
 
- Procurement Deals That Drive Growth 

Securing a single large contract can transform the trajectory of a small business. The program has already enabled SMEs to win high-value deals across logistics, packaging, healthcare, and technology. 

These contracts allow SMEs to scale quickly, hire more staff, invest in new technologies, and build credibility that attracts further opportunities. One standout story involves a logistics startup that, through the program, landed a contract with a leading logistics company. 
 
This deal not only increased revenues but also unlocked new partnerships, showing the multiplier effect such programs can have. 
 
- Leveling the Playing Field in Procurement 

The program is rethinking procurement by creating transparent, inclusive systems where SMEs can access the same opportunities as larger players. Practical steps include: 

  • Workshops and training to help SMEs meet compliance and quality standards 
  • Matchmaking sessions where SMEs connect directly with procurement teams 
  • Guidance on tendering processes and documentation 

These efforts are helping small businesses bridge capability gaps and confidently enter competitive supply chains. 

- Partnerships for Long-Term Success 

Collaboration sits at the heart of the program. Large corporates, from oil and gas giants to healthcare and tech firms, have pledged to include SMEs in their procurement strategies. This model distributes economic benefits widely, ensuring that SME growth aligns with Abu Dhabi’s larger development agenda. 

 
- Building SME Capacity Beyond Contracts 

Winning a contract is only the first step; sustaining growth requires capability. To ensure SMEs are ready for long-term success, the program also provides training in areas such as financial planning, certification standards, and digital transformation. By investing in these foundations, SMEs are better equipped to handle bigger projects and grow sustainably. 

- Broader Economic Impact 

The impact of the SME Champions Program goes beyond individual businesses. It contributes to job creation, supports Emiratisation, encourages innovation, and drives growth in non-oil sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. 
 
In doing so, it strengthens Abu Dhabi’s resilience against global economic shifts while advancing the UAE’s Vision 2030 goals by encouraging investors to go for company formation in the UAE. 

- What’s Next? 

Looking ahead, the program is preparing to scale even further. Plans include launching digital platforms for SME–buyer matchmaking, expanding sector participation, and supporting international expansion opportunities. With these next steps, the SME Champions Program is positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for SME empowerment. 

The Abu Dhabi SME Champions Program is an initiative that will bring tangible results and transform how SMEs contribute to the UAE’s economic story. 

Read the full blog on our website to get full details on the program and how it will impact business setup in the UAE. 

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