February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

The Mohammed bin Rashid Fund for SME Development, commonly known as the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development (Dubai SME), is a Dubai government initiative launched in 2002 to foster entrepreneurship and support small and medium enterprises. Operating under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the fund provides financial support, business development services, incubation programs, and regulatory guidance to entrepreneurs. It targets both Emirati nationals and, in certain programs, resident entrepreneurs building businesses within Dubai’s economic ecosystem.

UAE Context

Dubai SME has established itself as a key pillar of Dubai’s entrepreneurial infrastructure. The fund administers several flagship programs including startup financing facilities, the Dubai SME 100 ranking of top-performing small businesses, and incubation centers that provide subsidized workspace and mentorship. The organization also issues the “Intelaq” instant license that allows entrepreneurs to launch home-based businesses with minimal regulatory burden. Dubai SME works closely with free zones, banks, and private sector partners to create an integrated support ecosystem. The fund has been instrumental in shaping the UAE’s SME policy framework and advocating for regulatory reforms that reduce barriers to business formation.

Key Data

  • Founded: 2002
  • Parent entity: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
  • Key programs: Startup financing, Dubai SME 100, Intelaq license, incubation centers
  • Scope: Emirati entrepreneurs and select resident entrepreneurs in Dubai
  • Financing: Soft loans and grants for qualifying businesses
  • Headquarters: Dubai

Significance for Vision 2031

The Mohammed bin Rashid Fund directly supports Vision 2031’s objective of building a diversified, entrepreneur-driven economy. By lowering barriers to business creation and providing structured support pathways, the fund helps generate the private sector activity needed to sustain economic growth beyond hydrocarbon revenues. Its programs create employment opportunities for both nationals and residents, contributing to the broader goal of making the UAE a global hub for innovation and enterprise.

  • Free Zone - Business zones that complement the fund’s support ecosystem
  • Khalifa Fund - Abu Dhabi’s parallel enterprise development initiative
  • Emiratisation - National workforce strategy that benefits from SME growth