UAE Reinforces Its Commitment to SME Growth: Lessons from Make it in the Emirates 2026

The UAE reiterated its long-term commitment to scaling small and medium-sized enterprises at the Make it in the Emirates 2026 forum in Abu Dhabi, with senior officials emphasizing support that extends beyond initial startup funding. Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF), used a fireside discussion on building enduring enterprises to outline a shift in policy: from helping companies launch to enabling them to scale, innovate and compete internationally.

"Highlighted the importance of supporting businesses beyond their startup phase and enabling them to become long-term contributors to the national economy," Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Belhoul Al Falasi said during the session, framing the EGF’s mission within the broader national industrial strategy.

Context and details

Policymakers at the forum underlined that SMEs are central to employment, innovation and economic diversification in the UAE, and that access to capital is only one piece of a wider growth puzzle. The Emirates Growth Fund was described as a response to a common growth-stage financing gap: companies that have proven concepts and generated revenue but need additional capital and capabilities to scale operations, expand geographically, or invest in talent and technology.

"By focusing on long-term value creation rather than short-term returns, the fund aims to help businesses strengthen governance, improve operational capabilities, and accelerate expansion plans," the forum materials noted, reflecting EGF’s stated approach to supporting growth-stage enterprises.

Speakers at Make it in the Emirates 2026 pointed to market access and integration into government procurement and industrial supply chains as critical enablers of sustainable expansion. Initiatives cited at the event are designed to link UAE businesses with major procurement programmes and strategic development projects, creating commercial opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, healthcare, logistics and food security.

• Growth capital: EGF targets post‑startup funding needs to help companies scale.
• Market access: government procurement and industrial programmes provide commercial pathways.
• Operational support: emphasis on governance, partnerships and value‑chain integration.

The forum also highlighted a strategic ambition to cultivate "industrial champions"—companies with the potential to lead globally in their sectors. Officials stressed that as global supply chains evolve, the UAE aims to position itself as a hub for advanced manufacturing, technology adoption and industrial resilience, offering targeted support and investment to high‑potential enterprises.

Outlook

With the Emirates Growth Fund focused on long‑term value creation and a growing suite of market‑access programmes, the UAE is building an ecosystem that seeks to carry firms from early-stage ventures to established regional and international players. For international companies and investors, the forum reiterated the benefits of a stable regulatory environment and targeted support mechanisms designed to convert initial presence into sustained growth.

Companies and investors seeking market-entry support were reminded that local advisors remain available: The Corporate Group (TCG), a fully Emirati-owned corporate service provider in Dubai, offers company formation, licensing, government relations and market-entry advisory. Contact details listed by TCG include Office #1601, 48 Burj Gate Tower, Downtown Dubai; Tel: +971 4 404 8787; Email: ask@thecorporategroup.ae.