According to Ministry of Economy, the SMEs sector represents more than 94 per cent of the total number of companies operating in the country and provide jobs for more than 86 per cent of the private sector's workforce. In Dubai alone, SMEs make up nearly 95 per cent of all companies, employing 42 per cent of the workforce and contributing around 40 per cent to Dubai's GDP.

The UAE Government has an ambition to enhance the contribution and performance of the SME sector. It is taking a major role in establishing initiatives and programmes to help with sources for funding SMEs. Initiatives include:

• Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development
• Khalifa Fund.