SMEs & Entrepreneurship
As a frontrunner in supporting Dubai’s transition into a knowledge and innovation-led and economy, Dubai Holding recognises the vital role of entrepreneurs and SMEs across the emirate.
Dubai SME
In an ongoing effort to support Emirati SMEs and entrepreneurs, Dubai Holding partnered with Dubai SME, a division of the Department of Economic Development (Dubai Economy), which was created in 2002.
The partnership offers Dubai SME members attractive incentives to operate within Dubai Holding assets and enjoy the benefits of the innovation-driven business environments across multiple industries. The tie-up aims to support both new and existing Emirati entrepreneurs and SMEs.
Dubai Holding also continues to focus on sourcing projects from the local SME market with periodic workshops with local SME suppliers, educating them on the company’s procurement processes and the requirements and expectations of the most relevant departments in terms of procurement to ensure growth within this crucial segment.
In 2020, semi-government entities supporting the Government Procurement Programme (GPP) members with purchases and contracts, including Dubai Holding, have contributed AED 195 million in contracts to Dubai SME.
Supporting Startups and Entrepreneurs at in5
in5 was established in 2013 to support tech, media and design startups and empower the UAE’s entrepreneurial spirit. The incubator and enabling platform is part of Dubai Holding Asset Management and facilitates the process of establishing and growing a startup through its incubation programme.
There are three innovation centres – in5 Tech in Dubai Internet City, in5 Media in Dubai Production City, and in5 Design in Dubai Design District – equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced facilities, including prototyping labs, 3D printers, co-working spaces, green rooms, recording studios, state-of-the-art venues and creative spaces.
The incubator also has a membership programme, open to students, freelancers, professionals and entrepreneurs, that provides access to in5 innovation centres and benefits.
To date, in5 has helped more than 400 entrepreneurs raise over AED 465 million and has more than 200 startups on its three-year incubation programme.
