By Staff Reporter
DUBAI – The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched SME in a Box, a new digital platform designed to make it easier, faster, and more affordable for entrepreneurs to start and manage businesses in the emirate.
The initiative brings together a range of essential business services under one platform, allowing founders to access licensing assistance, banking solutions, digital payment services, logistics, telecommunications, and other operational requirements through a network of 18 private-sector partners.
Among the launch partners are Emirates NBD, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Network International, Aramex, DHL, du, and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.
According to DET, participating partners will provide dedicated SME packages offering discounted rates, fee waivers, subsidised onboarding, and preferential service plans. The combined value of these incentives is estimated to exceed AED 80,000 per business, with Emirati entrepreneurs receiving additional benefits and enhanced onboarding support.
The platform is also expected to significantly reduce administrative burdens. Entrepreneurs who activate banking and payment services through SME in a Box could save up to 200 hours that would otherwise be spent researching providers, comparing offers, and completing separate registration processes.
Several digital-first services, including payments, logistics, and telecommunications, can be activated within 24 hours through automated eligibility checks. Services requiring regulatory approval, such as corporate banking, will continue to follow standard compliance procedures but will benefit from streamlined pre-validation processes.
Speaking on the launch, Ahmad Al Room Almheiri said the initiative was developed in response to direct feedback from entrepreneurs, aiming to provide a more seamless business setup experience with fewer steps, reduced delays, and greater cost transparency.
The rollout will take place in phases, with future enhancements expected to include deeper digital integration and connectivity with the Invest in Dubai platform. SME in a Box will also be linked to Dubai Founders HQ, giving entrepreneurs access to investors, mentors, and business growth programmes aligned with Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda.
Source: Focus
