Dubai SME partners with Google to boost digital capabilities of Emirati businesses

Dubai’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has partnered with global tech giant Google to launch a new initiative aimed at enhancing the digital competitiveness of Emirati-owned SMEs, WAM reported.

The announcement was made at a high-level event attended by Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing; Ahmad Alroom Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME; Anthony Nakache, Managing Director of Google MENA; and Martin Roeske, MENA Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google.

The pilot program will initially support 10 promising Emirati SMEs, providing access to advanced digital marketing tools, advertising credits, and expert mentorship.

Designed as a proof of concept, the program addresses common challenges for smaller businesses, such as limited budgets, lack of digital marketing expertise, and reduced access to major advertising platforms, enabling participants to compete globally with minimal capital investment.

Companies were selected based on specific criteria to test and refine the initiative. Upon successful completion, the program will expand to include a broader cohort of SMEs, applying lessons learned to strengthen the digital capabilities of the wider Emirati business community.

The collaboration reflects Dubai SME’s commitment to the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to position the city as a leading hub for SMEs and local champions. The initiative features a unique co-funding model, with costs equally shared between Dubai SME, Google, and the participating businesses, fostering ownership, accountability, and long-term skill development.

Participants will benefit from professional guidance, creative support, and access to Google’s advertising platforms, helping them run high-impact campaigns and improve their digital presence. DET’s ecosystem of public and private partners will provide additional mentorship on digital strategy, content creation, and campaign optimization.

Ahmad Alroom Almheiri said, “SMEs are the backbone of Dubai’s economy and its future. Our partnership with Google demonstrates how strategic collaboration between government and private sector can turn challenges into opportunities for Emirati entrepreneurs. By building genuine digital capabilities, we are enabling businesses to scale confidently and compete globally, reinforcing Dubai as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Martin Roeske added, “Technology is the great equalizer. It allows a small family business to reach the same global customers as a tech unicorn. By joining forces with Dubai SME, we are equipping Emirati entrepreneurs with Google’s most advanced AI tools, ad credits, and mentorship, enabling them to maximize impact and compete on the world stage.”

The pilot phase will begin later this year, with insights from participants informing future initiatives designed to strengthen Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and accelerate SME growth.