TECOM Group, a member of Dubai Holding, and Dubai SME, the agency of Dubai Economy mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, have renewed and expanded their strategic partnership to support a wider pool of entrepreneurs and SMEs across sectors and empower them to thrive in Dubai.

Through this dynamic collaboration, the two ecosystem enablers will continue to assist Emiratis looking to start or grow their business through providing tangible benefits for easier market entry. In addition, they will extend their support for the first time to a wider pool of entrepreneurs and SME owners from neighbouring countries seeking to set up or expand their ventures in Dubai.

Malek Al Malek, CEO of TECOM Group, said: “Boosting Dubai’s attractiveness as a business destination for leading companies and start-ups is at the core of what we do at TECOM Group. This strategic partnership allows us to reach more local entrepreneurs and help turn their innovative ideas into businesses that contribute to Dubai’s vibrant economy.”

He added: “Developing the UAE’s entrepreneurship ecosystem is crucial, as it is a building block of a sustainable innovation-based economy.”

His Excellency Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, said: “Through our continued partnership with TECOM Group, we aim to deliver seamless business solutions and outstanding facilities to our members. Dubai SME strives to create comprehensive opportunities for entrepreneurs throughout their business journey. We are confident that this collaboration will result in innovative initiatives and strategies to build the next generation of transformative start-ups and bring added value to our existing SMEs.”

He added: “Dubai SME is keen to extend its scope of services to SMEs across the GCC region, and provide the required financial and advisory support to entrepreneurs. Along with our partners, we place our members on the optimal path to success in the ever-evolving business landscape.”

Through this partnership, TECOM Group provides tangible benefits, preferential rates, and business set-up support to Dubai SME members across its 10 business communities that include Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Design District.

Since its founding in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, TECOM Group has been recognised as a key economic contributor to Dubai’s inspiring transformation story. In the past 20 years, the Group has successfully attracted over 6,500 businesses and more than 95,000 professionals. In 2013, the Group launched in5, an incubator that supports home-grown innovation and is now home to over 200 start-ups within three innovation centres, operating across the media, design and tech verticals.

Dubai SME was developed as a support, information, and outreach resource for the growing SME sector in the UAE. Working with local and international strategic partners, the entity has progressively expanded the scope of its services and facilities to the wider GCC region while paying special attention to promoting a culture of innovation and developing talent in the industry, as well as providing financial and advisory support to entrepreneurial ideas and projects.