Abu Dhabi's SME export push: empowering local businesses to thrive internationally

Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s (ADDED) SME Export Matching Program, an initiative launched in November 2023 to boost the export potential of Abu Dhabi’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has witnessed major milestones within its first cycle, according to Abu Dhabi Media Office.

Fourteen SMEs participants in the SME Export Matching Program are already forecasting a 44 per cent increase in their exports in 2024 compared to 2023, with export value expected to reach AED387 million, Abu Dhabi Media Office noted.

In less than a year since its launch, the program has connected participants with more than 800 strategic stakeholders, linking them to potential international customers, distributors and business partners.

Through the program, SMEs have entered key international markets, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, the US, India and Canada. These businesses also represent 14 diverse sectors, including engineering and construction, plastics, food and agriTech, and pharmaceuticals, reflecting the broad scope of industries driving Abu Dhabi’s export success.

The program’s focus on international market access enables these local businesses to scale their operations, diversify revenue streams, and bolster Abu Dhabi’s trade ecosystem.

The SME Export Matching Program caters to both newcomers to international trade and more established exporters, offering tailored support to optimize export strategies. It enhances awareness of the support services available within Abu Dhabi's ecosystem, ensuring that businesses have access to resources that aid in international expansion.

The program also helps SMEs align with international trade standards and seize opportunities emerging from new trade initiatives and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs).

For new exporters, the program provides training sessions on essential topics, such as market research analysis, export documentation, and trade mapping processes.

More experienced participants benefit from specialized International Strategy Workshops (ISWs), where one-on-one mentoring addresses specific needs, allowing businesses to refine their strategies and maximise their global impact.

This comprehensive approach ensures that businesses, regardless of their export experience, are equipped to navigate the complexities of international markets and capitalize on global opportunities.

The program’s most recent workshop, titled Empowering SMEs for International Success, delivered invaluable insights from key government partners and introduced participants to the full spectrum of export support services available in Abu Dhabi.

The workshop featured key speakers from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), Abu Dhabi Ports Group (AD Ports), Abu Dhabi Customs, Emirates Development Bank (EDB), Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), and the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX).

SMEs constitute over 90 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s licensed businesses, employing nearly half of the workforce and contributing to a 42.8 per cent of the emirate's non-oil GDP.

As Abu Dhabi accelerates its drive for economic diversification and invests heavily in innovation and sustainability, SMEs are poised to play an even greater role in the expanding the emirate’s global economic footprint.

Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, Executive Director of the SMEs Sector at Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said: “We are committed to accelerating Abu Dhabi’s growth by supporting our ambitious businesses with essential tools for progress and promising opportunities for expansion. Through the SME Export Matching Program, we are empowering businesses to establish a strong, sustainable presence in global markets while boosting their competitiveness and reach. These initiatives are vital for refining our export strategies and helping Abu Dhabi’s businesses capitalize on the plethora of available opportunities for international expansion.”

Khalil Fadel Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), the export-financing arm of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), said: “By enabling our local enterprises to expand internationally through our strategic partnerships and initiatives, we will continue to strengthen their global competitiveness, so they can step up their contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity and resilience and reinforce the UAE’s position in the global marketplace.”

Over the past decade, Abu Dhabi's non-oil economy has seen a 59 per cent growth, fostering a dynamic and supportive environment for homegrown businesses to flourish. This expansion is underpinned by Abu Dhabi’s cutting-edge infrastructure, including advancements in digital transformation, logistics, and smart technologies, which provide SMEs with the tools they need to scale effectively.

With a 109 per cent increase in skilled talent over the same period, the emirate has developed a highly qualified workforce, enabling local businesses to compete on a global stage and expand into international markets.

These developments have positioned Abu Dhabi as a leading hub for innovation and cross-border growth for SMEs looking to diversify and grow globally.