emirates7 - The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development's (ADDED) SME Export Matching Programme has achieved significant milestones in its first cycle. Fourteen participating SMEs are projecting a 44% increase in exports in 2024 compared to 2023, with the export value expected to reach AED 387 million.
Launched less than a year ago, the programme has successfully connected participants with over 800 strategic stakeholders, linking them to potential international customers, distributors, and business partners. Through this initiative, SMEs have expanded into key international markets, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, the US, India, and Canada. These businesses represent 14 diverse sectors such as Engineering & Construction, Plastics, Food & AgriTech, and Pharmaceuticals, highlighting the wide range of industries driving Abu Dhabi's export growth.
The programme’s focus on facilitating international market access allows local businesses to scale, diversify revenue sources, and strengthen Abu Dhabi's trade ecosystem. It provides tailored support for both new exporters and those with more experience, helping them optimise export strategies and access resources within Abu Dhabi's robust ecosystem for international expansion.
Additionally, the programme helps SMEs align with global trade standards and seize opportunities arising from new trade initiatives and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). For newcomers, the programme offers training on crucial topics such as market research, export documentation, and trade mapping. Established exporters benefit from specialised International Strategy Workshops (ISWs) and one-on-one mentoring, enabling them to refine their strategies for global success.
The most recent workshop, titled "Empowering SMEs for International Success," provided valuable insights from key government partners and introduced participants to the full range of export support services in Abu Dhabi. The workshop featured speakers from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), 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 make up more than 90% of Abu Dhabi’s licensed businesses, employing nearly half of 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, affirmed the department's commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s growth by equipping businesses with essential tools for success and expanding global opportunities.
Khalil Fadel Al Mansoori, Director General of ADEX, emphasized the office’s dedication to strengthening the UAE's export sector and enhancing local enterprises' global competitiveness.
Over the past decade, Abu Dhabi's non-oil economy has grown by 59%, fostering a thriving environment for businesses, while the skilled workforce has increased by 109%, enabling local companies to compete globally and expand internationally.
Launched less than a year ago, the programme has successfully connected participants with over 800 strategic stakeholders, linking them to potential international customers, distributors, and business partners. Through this initiative, SMEs have expanded into key international markets, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, the US, India, and Canada. These businesses represent 14 diverse sectors such as Engineering & Construction, Plastics, Food & AgriTech, and Pharmaceuticals, highlighting the wide range of industries driving Abu Dhabi's export growth.
The programme’s focus on facilitating international market access allows local businesses to scale, diversify revenue sources, and strengthen Abu Dhabi's trade ecosystem. It provides tailored support for both new exporters and those with more experience, helping them optimise export strategies and access resources within Abu Dhabi's robust ecosystem for international expansion.
Additionally, the programme helps SMEs align with global trade standards and seize opportunities arising from new trade initiatives and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). For newcomers, the programme offers training on crucial topics such as market research, export documentation, and trade mapping. Established exporters benefit from specialised International Strategy Workshops (ISWs) and one-on-one mentoring, enabling them to refine their strategies for global success.
The most recent workshop, titled "Empowering SMEs for International Success," provided valuable insights from key government partners and introduced participants to the full range of export support services in Abu Dhabi. The workshop featured speakers from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), 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 make up more than 90% of Abu Dhabi’s licensed businesses, employing nearly half of 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, affirmed the department's commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s growth by equipping businesses with essential tools for success and expanding global opportunities.
Khalil Fadel Al Mansoori, Director General of ADEX, emphasized the office’s dedication to strengthening the UAE's export sector and enhancing local enterprises' global competitiveness.
Over the past decade, Abu Dhabi's non-oil economy has grown by 59%, fostering a thriving environment for businesses, while the skilled workforce has increased by 109%, enabling local companies to compete globally and expand internationally.