ADDED’s Export Matching Programme Empowers SMEs for Global Expansion

Abu Dhabi, 13 November 2024: The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) celebrated significant achievements in its SME Export Matching Programme, launched in November 2023 to enhance the global footprint of Abu Dhabi’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In its first cycle, the programme has connected 14 participating SMEs to over 800 international stakeholders, resulting in a projected 44% increase in exports in 2024, valued at AED 387 million. These businesses, spanning 14 diverse sectors such as Engineering, Plastics, Food & AgriTech, and Pharmaceuticals, have successfully entered major markets, including the US, India, Canada, and GCC countries.

The programme offers tailored support for businesses at various stages of export readiness, from training on market research and documentation for newcomers to one-on-one mentoring for seasoned exporters. Workshops like “Empowering SMEs for International Success” have featured insights from key partners, including Abu Dhabi Customs, Emirates Development Bank, and Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX).

With SMEs accounting for 42.8% of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil GDP and 90% of licensed businesses, the initiative underscores their pivotal role in the emirate’s economic diversification. Mrs. Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, Executive Director of ADDED’s SME Sector, emphasized the programme’s commitment to equipping SMEs with tools and opportunities for global competitiveness.

Abu Dhabi’s robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and strategic initiatives like the SME Export Matching Programme continue to solidify its status as a global hub for innovation and economic growth.