Google partners with Dubai SME to elevate digital capabilities of entrepreneurs

Dubai SME and Google will launch a new initiative aimed at strengthening the digital competitiveness of Emirati-owned small and medium-sized enterprises.

The pilot programme marks a significant step in advancing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, particularly the goal of making Dubai the fastest-growing and most attractive global hub for SMEs.

The proof-of-concept (POC) phase will support 10 selected Emirati businesses, offering access to Google’s advanced digital marketing tools, advertising credits and hands-on mentorship.

Google support for Dubai SMEs

The objective is to address core challenges faced by smaller companies, such as limited budgets, developing in-house digital expertise and restricted access to major advertising platforms.

The businesses were selected according to defined criteria intended to test and refine the programme model. Following the pilot’s completion, validated strategies will inform a future large-scale programme designed to benefit a broader SME cohort.

This initiative aligns with Dubai SME’s mission to empower entrepreneurs and bolster their competitiveness in line with the D33 agenda.

A distinctive element of the collaboration is its tripartite co-funding model, with total investment for each participating business shared equally between Dubai SME, Google and the SME itself.

The structure promotes ownership, accountability and sustainable capability building.

Advertising support

Participating companies will also receive strategic guidance, creative support and access to Google’s advertising ecosystem to help them execute high-impact marketing campaigns and improve digital performance.

The programme additionally leverages DET’s marketing expertise and extensive partner network across public and private sectors, ensuring participants gain practical mentorship in digital strategy, content creation and campaign optimisation.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), said: “Under the visionary leadership guiding Dubai’s transformation, SMEs represent both the driving force and future of Dubai’s economy.

“This pioneering collaboration with Google exemplifies how strategic collaboration between government and the private sector can transform challenges into opportunities for Emirati entrepreneurs.

“By investing in genuine digital capability, we are ensuring Emirati businesses can scale with confidence, compete on the global stage, and play their vital role in achieving the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. This initiative reinforces our commitment to making Dubai the most attractive hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.”

‘Technology the equaliser’

Martin Roeske, Director, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google MENA, said: “Technology is the great equaliser. It allows a traditional family business to reach the same global customers as a high-tech unicorn.

“By teaming up with Dubai SME, we’re putting Google’s most advanced AI tools, together with ads credits and mentorship, directly into the hands of Emirati entrepreneurs – giving them the precision to make every dirham count and compete on a world stage.”

The pilot phase will commence later this year, with performance insights used to shape future digital-enablement initiatives designed to strengthen Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and support long-term SME growth.