In a significant boost to Dubai’s small and medium enterprise (SME) business sector, Emirates airline and major property developer Nakheel have awarded contracts worth Dh100 million ($27.2 million) to members of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders through the Government Procurement Programme (GPP).

Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment, said the deals highlighted the key role played in supporting SMEs by major government organisations and private sector companies in the UAE, and underlined the ability of the Establishment’s members to deliver to major companies products and services matching the highest international quality standards.
"Such initiatives are a testimony to the premium quality of products and services provided by the UAE companies, especially the Establishment members,” he said.
The GPP was established in 2002 under a directive from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. The programme aims to create alliances between government and private corporations and allocate at least five per cent of the annual procurement contracts to SMEs to help them contribute to economic growth.
The GPP programme seeks to provide all facilities to members to encourage and develop their business and facilitate their participation to win contracts from government organisations and private companies while providing opportunities to increase their level of competitiveness.
"The Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 has focused largely on the role of small and medium businesses. There is no doubt that the combined efforts of major companies at this stage will aid this key sector, which is vital to the economic development of Dubai," said Al Janahi.   The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment is one of the leading national establishments created to promote leadership culture among UAE nationals. The Establishment supports small and medium businesses through initiatives such as business consultancy, training programmes and participation in international exhibitions.