Dubai’s Emirati Supplier Program reached a major milestone in 2025, awarding more than AED1.78 billion (US$484.6 million) in procurement contracts to Emirati-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the highest annual total since the initiative was established.
Managed by Dubai SME, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the program recorded a 38% increase compared with the AED1.29 billion awarded in 2024, highlighting the growing role of local businesses in Dubai’s economic development strategy.
Government Procurement Reaches New High
For the first time, procurement from Dubai government entities exceeded AED1 billion, reaching approximately AED1.03 billion and accounting for nearly 58% of all contracts awarded through the program.
Major contributors included Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Police, Expo City Dubai Authority, Dubai Academic Health Corporation and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Private and Semi-Government Sectors Expand Participation
Semi-government organizations awarded contracts worth approximately AED420.5 million, representing 24% of total procurement. Leading participants included Dubai Holding, Emirates Flight Catering and the Emirates Group.
The private sector contributed a further AED254.9 million in procurement, with companies such as Union Coop, Carrefour and Emaar Properties supporting Emirati-owned businesses through the initiative.
Federal government entities accounted for an additional AED74.6 million in contracts through organizations including Emirates Health Services and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Supporting Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda
The Emirati Supplier Program forms part of the broader Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to strengthen the private sector, accelerate entrepreneurship and diversify the emirate’s economy.
Under Dubai Law No. 16 of 2016, government departments and government-owned entities with at least a 25% public ownership stake are required to allocate 10% of their procurement spending to businesses registered with Dubai SME.
Growing Opportunities for Emirati Entrepreneurs
The program now works with more than 84 partner organizations, creating procurement opportunities for approximately 1,070 registered Emirati enterprises across multiple industries.
Officials say the continued expansion of the initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to strengthening local supply chains while helping Emirati businesses improve operational capacity, governance standards and long-term competitiveness.
Why It Matters
Government procurement has become an increasingly important tool for supporting SME growth across the Gulf region. By directing more public and private sector contracts toward Emirati-owned businesses, Dubai is encouraging entrepreneurship, strengthening domestic supply chains and creating a more resilient private sector in line with its long-term economic diversification strategy.
