The UAE has launched the ambitious National Programme for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which has created more than 25 tie-ups with leading institutions in the public and private sectors to support citizen entrepreneurs.

The tie-ups were formed after the Ministry of Economy unveiled a new vision for the National Programme for SMEs, aimed at providing entrepreneurs and SME-owners in the UAE with several new and integrated initiatives and services. These are designed to provide national businesses with more growth possibilities and improved market access.

During a media briefing Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs, announced the launch of various initiatives which comes as part of the three main programmes presented by the National Programme under a new platform.

This further reflects changes in the services provided to citizen entrepreneurs to support them in developing their projects, thereby enabling them to increase their contribution to the country’s economic diversification efforts in line with the goals of the ‘Projects of the 50.’

These programmes include the Government Procurement Programme, the Business Support Programme, and the Financing Solutions Programme.

Dr Al Falasi said: "The new programmes and services under the National Programme for SMEs is in line with our wise leadership’s vision, which places the citizen first, second and third in our developmental priorities. It places absolute faith on entrepreneurs, and recognises the importance of entrepreneurship as a major driver for building the future economy and achieving more flexibility, sustainability and innovation in the national economy in accordance with the principles and goals of the Projects of the 50. He pointed out that SMEs today represent 94 per cent of the total companies and institutions operating in the country and contribute more than 50 per cent to the country's GDP.