Dubai, Google launch initiative to boost Emirati SMEs

In a major push to strengthen the digital strength 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 joined forces with Google to launch a new initiative aimed at accelerating the global competitiveness of Emirati-owned SMEs.

The announcement was made in Dubai in the presence of senior officials from both entities, marking the start of a pilot programme that will give select Emirati businesses access to advanced digital marketing tools, premium resources and hands-on guidance. The move is positioned as a strategic step toward supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to make Dubai the fastest-growing and most attractive hub for entrepreneurs.

Under the pilot phase, 10 high-potential Emirati enterprises have been chosen based on strict selection criteria to test the programme’s model. These businesses will receive advertising credits, creative support and direct exposure to Google’s digital platforms, helping them launch stronger campaigns at significantly lower cost. The programme specifically targets common challenges faced by smaller enterprises, including limited budgets and the struggle to gain digital visibility on major advertising platforms.

A notable feature of the collaboration is its tripartite co-funding structure. The total investment for each participating SME will be equally shared by Dubai SME, Google and the business itself. Officials say the model encourages responsibility, ownership and sustainable capability building, allowing companies to grow beyond the initial support phase.

Participants will also receive practical mentorship through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism’s network of public and private partners. This guidance covers digital strategy, content development and campaign optimisation, ensuring each business not only runs better ads but understands how to strengthen its long-term digital presence.

The pilot begins later this year and is expected to generate performance insights that will shape future large-scale programmes supporting a wider base of SMEs across Dubai. The initiative is seen as another step toward building an ecosystem where local businesses can innovate, compete globally and contribute more strongly to Dubai’s economic goals.