By Staff Reporter
Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem received a notable boost as Dubai SME signed a strategic partnership with noon Food aimed at accelerating the growth of Emirati-owned food and beverage businesses through digital platforms.
The memorandum of understanding introduces a range of incentives designed to lower barriers to entry and expand online visibility. Eligible F&B businesses under Dubai SME will be onboarded onto noon Food with all setup fees waived. In addition, a structured five-year commission model has been introduced, starting at 10% in the first year and gradually increasing to 20% by the fifth year, offering a balanced path to scalability.
Participating businesses will also benefit from advertising credits and enhanced exposure during peak seasonal campaigns, giving them a competitive edge in Dubai’s fast-growing digital food marketplace.
Beyond financial support, the initiative places strong emphasis on capacity building. Businesses will receive onboarding assistance, dedicated account management, and monthly performance reports to help them track progress and refine their strategies. Dubai SME will play a central role in nominating eligible participants, promoting the initiative, and overseeing its implementation.
The partnership aligns closely with the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double Dubai’s economy by 2033 and strengthen its position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, highlighted that the collaboration combines institutional backing with the scale of a leading digital platform, creating meaningful opportunities for Emirati entrepreneurs to grow sustainably. Meanwhile, Faraz Khalid, Group CEO of noon, emphasized that the initiative provides the digital infrastructure necessary for local businesses to scale rapidly and contribute to national economic goals.
With SMEs making up over 95% of Dubai’s registered businesses, the agreement reinforces their vital role in driving employment, innovation, and economic diversification. Emirati-owned F&B brands, in particular, continue to gain prominence within both the physical and digital marketplace.
The five-year collaboration is expected to significantly expand market access, strengthen brand presence, and fast-track digital transformation for Emirati entrepreneurs across Dubai’s vibrant food sector.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
