Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai mandated to develop the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector, has co-ordinated the participation of 48 members in the activities being held as part of the Global Village, from 1st November 2011 to 3rd March 2012.
The association with the Global Village is part of Dubai SME’s support for SMEs and its efforts to provide opportunities for young people to set up and grow their own businesses. Through such initiatives, Dubai SME also seeks to fulfill its role in contributing to the economic growth in Dubai and the UAE in general.
Osama Al Muharam, Manager of the Government Procurement Programme (GPP) at Dubai SME said: “Our goal is to help young entrepreneurs gain fast exposure to the business world and showcase their products. The Global Village was chosen for several reasons most notably the millions of visitors it attracts every year and the diversity of nationalities and cultures it brings under one roof. It is a valuable marketing and learning opportunity for our members.”
Al Muharam added that Dubai SME in collaboration with the Global Village through the past years is providing discounts of up to 50% on kiosk rentals for member companies in addition to supporting young Emiratis to set up their own establishments. SME members will be provided guidance and expert consultancy on setting up their chosen business.
Among the 48 SME establishments within the Global Village, 24 are in the retail sector and the remaining in food and beverages. Participating members have lauded the Dubai SME for its services provided in partnership with the Global Village, including the discounted rentals and strategic kiosk locations.
Fatima Obaidli, owner of the Mochilato project said: “The facilities given to Dubai SME members are highly encouraging as at a lower price we have got a larger space to display our wares. The Global Village is a unique platform to launch new products and reach out to a large number of visitors. On an average we receive nearly 1,000 customers per week, and ours is a first-of-its-kind project in the Global Village. ”
Nasser Obaid Al Khaili, owner of Tropical Juices, commended Dubai SME for enabling small and medium businesses to grow and retain a competitive edge through strategic display of their products. The wholly natural juice sold at Al Khaili’s kiosk is said to be the only one of its kind in the Gulf, and has no added sugar or preservatives.
Suad Al-Afifi, owner of Dar Al Raika for perfumes, said that being part of the Global Village has helped her enter the retail world, adding that such opportunities have a key role in SME growth. Al-Afifi’s kiosk, which sells 11 different fragrances and incense, receives at least 80 customers a day. She said it is also a valuable opportunity to compete with established brands and products.
