Seven government entities sign 55 contracts worth AED 78.6 million with Emirati SMEs during the National Forum for SMEs - Government Procurement 2026

Ministry of Economy and Tourism signs MoUs with MBRGI, Etihad Airways, Masdar, Abu Dhabi Ports, and e& to unlock more contracting opportunities for Emirati SMEs

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, has concluded the National Forum for SMEs - Government Procurement 2026, with 55 contracts worth AED 78.6 million signed between seven participating public entities and Emirati small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The agreements are expected to strengthen SME participation in the government procurement ecosystem, support business growth and sustainability, and advance national economic development objectives.

Additional contracts worth AED 100 million for Emirati SMEs

The Forum is expected to provide additional contracts worth AED 100 million to national SMEs in the upcoming stage, enhancing opportunities for these enterprises to expand, engage in larger government projects and further promoting entrepreneurship in the UAE.

Forum attracts 1300 attendees

The two-day Forum attracted 1,300 attendees from federal and local government entities, national companies, and Emirati entrepreneurs, enabling direct interaction between them. It witnessed the forging of new partnerships, and the organisation of workshops and discussion sessions that addressed best practices in government procurement and mechanisms for enabling national enterprises to play a greater role in the national economy.

A platform for dialogue between public entitles and Emirati enterprises

The Forum delivered a range of positive outcomes with a direct impact on supporting Emirati entrepreneurs and SME owners. It facilitated direct engagement between contracting entities and Emirati businesses to identify shared challenges and develop practical solutions, while also strengthening collaboration with financing entities to better leverage financial offerings that support participation in government procurement.

Introduction of government procurement tender procedures

The Forum’s sessions focused on raising SME awareness of government procurement mechanisms and bidding procedures, while also sharing knowledge and expertise to support the sustainability and growth of these enterprises. Participants were also briefed on supplier registration systems, including key recommendations for completing registration requirements and submitting data for government tenders. In addition, the sessions highlighted the importance of leveraging the competitive advantages offered by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s National Programme for SMEs.

Five MoUs signed

As part of the Forum, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism signed five memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, e&, Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Ports, and Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company). The MoUs aim to unlock more contracting opportunities for Emirati entrepreneurs and SMEs in government procurement tenders, enhance their capability to expand and achieve sustainable growth.

The memoranda were signed on behalf of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism by H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry; H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for Intellectual Property Rights Sector at the Ministry; and H.E. Badreya Al Maidoor, Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services. The partner entities that signed were represented by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group; Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad Airways; Marwan Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Financial Affairs and Investments at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI); Saeed Al Zarooni, Group Chief Procurement Officer at e&; Khaleefa AlMhairi, Chief Operating Officer at Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company).

H.E. Al Saleh stated that the outcomes of the forum reflect the Ministry’s commitment to building an integrated government procurement ecosystem founded on partnership and coordination with government entities and major national companies. He emphasized that this approach supports the empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises, which constitute approximately 95 per cent of all companies operating in the UAE and contribute around 63 per cent to the national GDP.

His Excellency noted that the agreements will help expand strategic partnerships and enhance contracting opportunities for Emirati SMEs. They seek to establish a general framework for cooperation that supports and empowers National Programme members by strengthening their participation in government procurement processes, ensuring fair and effective competition, and developing channels and mechanisms that enhance procedures, enable data exchange, and facilitate SME access to available contracting opportunities.

From his side, Saeed Al Zarooni, Group Chief Procurement Officer at e&, underscored the importance of participating in initiatives that support SMEs in the UAE, given their vital role in strengthening the national economy and enabling business owners to grow their enterprises and ensure long-term operational continuity.

Al Zarooni added that e& Group has implemented several incentive-driven initiatives, including the streamlining of company registration procedures and organizing a series of awareness workshops aimed at motivating SME-owners. These efforts form part of a comprehensive strategy to empower the business sector across the UAE.

He concluded by expressing his appreciation to the teams and departments supporting SMEs at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Finance, reaffirming e& Group’s commitment to supporting all national efforts in this vital field.

Marwan Al Suwaidi emphasized MBRGI’s steadfast commitment to supporting national efforts to build an integrated government procurement ecosystem. He noted that the foundation is committed to sharing its expertise with Emirati entrepreneurs and SME owners, enabling them to strengthen their capabilities, refine their business visions, and expand their contribution to the national economy, while further enriching the country’s business and investment environment.

Al Suwaidi stated: “The Memorandum of Understanding between MBRGI and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism reflects our shared belief in the importance of unifying work methodologies and developing innovative improvement plans, while leveraging national expertise to establish a comprehensive framework that supports the UAE’s economic objectives, most notably increasing the contribution of SMEs to national GDP, and building on the achievements the UAE has realized over past decades in this domain.”

Commenting on the agreement, Mohamed Jameel Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: “We are pleased to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, which marks an important step in strengthening the role of national institutions and enhancing their ability to participate effectively in supporting Masdar’s operations and various initiatives. The agreement will also focus on expanding the base of local suppliers and partners, enhancing the competitiveness of the local market, supporting sustainable economic development, and accelerating the UAE’s economic diversification.”

MoUs and areas of cooperation

The MoU signed between the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and Etihad Airways focuses on expanding SME participation in procurement processes, tenders, and supply chains related to the aviation sector. It aims to enhance the readiness of national enterprises to meet advanced operational contract requirements within a framework designed to empower National Programme members and improve their access to contracting opportunities.

The MoU with e& aims to integrate SMEs into the group’s technology procurement ecosystem, activate competition and regulatory compliance mechanisms, adopt the Riyada Card as an official document for participation, and implement the five per cent government procurement allocation stipulated in the SME Law. It also includes developing data‑exchange mechanisms and periodic reporting to enhance transparency and institutional integration.

The agreement with AD Ports Group seeks to expand SME participation in procurement systems, supply chains, and logistics services, facilitating their access to contracting opportunities in the maritime sector, supporting local content, and reinforcing sustainable economic growth.

In support of capacity building and empowerment, the MoU with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives aims to strengthen integration between awareness and empowerment programs and government procurement requirements, as well as enable entrepreneurs to participate more effectively in contracting opportunities, enhancing the sustainability and readiness of their projects.

The MoU with Masdar focuses on increasing SME participation in procurement opportunities and initiatives related to clean energy and sustainability sectors. It aims to create an enabling environment, develop cooperation channels that ensure the exchange of non‑confidential data in accordance with legal frameworks, promoting transparency and equal opportunity, and ensuring alignment with the UAE’s green economy objectives.