The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) launched the ‘Abu Dhabi SME Champion’ programme this week on February 14th to enable mSMEs to identify and increase their share of procurement opportunities from private large companies and government-related entities (GREs).
‘Abu Dhabi SME Champion’ will equip mSMEs with relevant skills to expand capabilities via various training and mentorship programmes to ensure their readiness to compete professionally in procurement and scale up their businesses to play a greater role in Abu Dhabi’s economy.
It will also cooperate with large companies and GREs to raise their awareness of mSMEs’ capabilities as trusted suppliers and create SME champions within their entities to drive forward the programme’s objectives.
An acceleration programme to upskill mSMEs through a customised delivery model, ‘Abu Dhabi SME Champion’ is an outcome of studies and consultations done by the SME sector at ADDED to bridge gaps identified in the ecosystem including lack of capabilities, understanding, and communication channels to enhance mSMEs’ partnership with large companies and GREs.
Four large companies and GREs, Etihad Aviation Group, Aldar Properties, Emirates Steel Arkan Group, and Ittihad Papermill, have committed to participate in the programme by offering procurement opportunities of AED 30 million (AED 7.5 million each) to be awarded to the selected mSMEs in the first phase of the programme.
They will also nominate specialised teams to coordinate and work with the selected mSMEs on workshops and training as well as selecting qualified mSMEs. Future cohorts will see more large companies and GREs joining the programme to support Abu Dhabi mSME.
H.E. Sameh Al Qubaisi, Director General of Economic Affairs at ADDED, said “We are pleased to partner with leading firms in launching this programme and honoured by the commitment of elite large companies and GREs. This will immensely help in supporting mSMEs to benefit from ample opportunities provided by our robust, resilient, and business-friendly ecosystem to expand and contribute positively to sustainable development.”
Mrs Mouza Al Nasri, Executive Director of the SME Sector at ADDED, has signed partnership agreements with Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief Human resources of Etihad Aviation Group, Mr Adel AlBreki, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Projects, Mr Jasem Al Khateri, Chief Human Capital Officer of Emirates Steel Arkan Group, and Mr. Abdullah AlKhateeb, General Manager of Ittihad Papermill, to join the programme and support the SME ecosystem.
Mrs. Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, Executive Director SMEs Sector at ADDED, said “SMEs are one of the vital sectors in Abu Dhabi’s economy; it makes up over 90% of businesses, employ 39% of the workforce, and contribute 32% of non-oil GDP. Based on global metrics, we believe there are huge potentials to further develop the sector”.
The ‘Abu Dhabi SME Champion’ programme is under ADDED - SMEs Sector. LCs/GREs and mSMEs interested to join the programme can find out more by reaching out to SMEchampion@ded.abudhabi.ae
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