Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a significant effort to bolster the digital prowess of local businesses, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, has partnered with Google to unveil an initiative designed to enhance the global competitiveness of Emirati-owned SMEs.

The launch event in Dubai featured senior officials from both organizations, marking the commencement of a pilot programme that will offer select Emirati firms access to cutting-edge digital marketing tools, premium resources, and comprehensive support. This initiative is aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aimed at positioning Dubai as the fastest-growing and most appealing hub for entrepreneurs.

During this pilot phase, ten promising Emirati businesses will be selected based on specific criteria to participate in testing the programme’s model. These companies will benefit from advertising credits, creative assistance, and direct engagement with Google’s digital platforms, enabling them to implement more effective campaigns at considerably reduced costs. The programme specifically addresses common issues faced by smaller enterprises, such as budget constraints and the quest for visibility on major advertising platforms.

A key aspect of this partnership is its tri-partite co-funding arrangement. The total financial support allocated to each participating SME will be equally distributed among Dubai SME, Google, and the business itself. Officials assert that this model promotes accountability, ownership, and sustainable skill development, allowing companies to evolve beyond the initial support phase.

Participants will gain practical mentorship through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism’s network of public and private collaborators. This guidance encompasses digital strategy consulting, content creation, and campaign refinement, ensuring each enterprise not only executes better advertisements but also comprehends how to enhance its long-term digital footprint.

The pilot is set to launch later this year and is anticipated to yield performance insights that will inform future extensive programmes designed to support a broader range of SMEs throughout Dubai. This initiative is viewed as a crucial step in cultivating an ecosystem where local businesses can innovate, compete on a global scale, and make more impactful contributions to Dubai’s economic ambitions.

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