Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s (ADDED) SME Export Matching Programme has achieved significant milestones in its inaugural cycle. Fourteen SME participants anticipate a 44% increase in their exports for 2024 compared to 2023, with export values expected to reach AED387 million. In less than a year, the programme has successfully linked participants with over 800 strategic stakeholders, facilitating connections with potential international customers, distributors, and business partners.
According to Emirates News Agency, the programme has enabled SMEs to penetrate key international markets, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, the US, India, and Canada. These businesses, spanning 14 sectors such as Engineering and Construction, Plastics, Food and AgriTech, and Pharmaceuticals, highlight the diverse industries contributing to Abu Dhabi’s export achievements. By focusing on international market access, the programme aids local businesses in scaling operation
s, diversifying revenue streams, and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s trade ecosystem.
The initiative serves both new and seasoned exporters, providing tailored support to enhance export strategies and awareness of Abu Dhabi’s support services. This ensures businesses can access resources to aid in their international expansion efforts. Furthermore, the programme aligns SMEs with international trade standards, helping them seize opportunities from emerging trade initiatives and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs).
For new exporters, the programme offers training sessions on market research analysis, export documentation, and trade mapping processes. Experienced participants benefit from specialised International Strategy Workshops (ISWs), including one-on-one mentoring to refine strategies and maximise global impact. The recent workshop “Empowering SMEs for International Success” provided insights from key government partners and introduced the full spectrum of export support services available i
n Abu Dhabi.
SMEs account for over 90% of Abu Dhabi’s licensed businesses, employing nearly half the workforce and contributing 42.8% of the Emirate’s non-oil GDP. Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, Executive Director of the SMEs Sector at ADDED, emphasised the commitment to accelerating Abu Dhabi’s growth by supporting businesses with essential tools and expansion opportunities. Khalil Fadel Al Mansoori, Director General of ADEX, highlighted the importance of enabling local enterprises to expand internationally through strategic partnerships and initiatives.
Over the past decade, Abu Dhabi’s non-oil economy has experienced a 59% growth, fostering an environment conducive to the flourishing of homegrown businesses. With a 109% increase in skilled talent during the same period, the Emirate has developed a highly qualified workforce, allowing local businesses to compete globally and expand into international markets seamlessly.