“When opportunity meets access, small businesses don’t just grow—they redefine the future of the economy.” – Majid Al Futtaim
Majid Al Futtaim – New platform opens access to major retail ecosystem, accelerating growth opportunities for local entrepreneurs
In a significant boost to the UAE’s entrepreneurial landscape, Majid Al Futtaim has partnered with Dubai SME to launch Ma’an, a powerful new initiative designed to support and scale homegrown small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide.
The programme builds on Dubai’s broader economic vision, aligning with the emirate’s AED 1 billion incentive package to ease financial pressures on businesses and strengthen economic resilience.
Meaning “together” in Arabic, Ma’an is a collaborative platform that bridges the gap between emerging businesses and established retail ecosystems. Through this initiative, selected SMEs will gain direct access to some of the region’s most influential consumer touchpoints, including Mall of the Emirates, THAT Concept Store, VOX Cinemas, Carrefour, and other destinations within Majid Al Futtaim’s extensive portfolio.
This unique integration offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their products in high-footfall environments where millions of customers shop, dine, and engage daily. The initiative is expected to significantly accelerate brand visibility and commercial growth for participating businesses.
Officials emphasised that the programme reflects the growing importance of public-private collaboration in nurturing entrepreneurship and driving economic diversification. Speaking on the launch, Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, highlighted that connecting emerging businesses with established platforms creates tangible opportunities for growth, enabling entrepreneurs to strengthen their market presence and scale more effectively.
He further noted that the initiative supports Dubai SME’s ongoing mandate to empower entrepreneurs while contributing to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which prioritises innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable economic expansion.
From Majid Al Futtaim’s perspective, the initiative underscores the company’s long-standing role in shaping consumer experiences across the region. Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, explained that small businesses are a cornerstone of the UAE’s economic and social fabric, and the launch of Ma’an reflects a commitment to creating meaningful pathways for local brands to thrive.
He added that the collaboration demonstrates the strength of public-private partnerships in advancing national economic ambitions, while also opening new doors for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Beyond physical retail exposure, Ma’an offers a comprehensive support ecosystem designed to accelerate business growth. Participating SMEs will benefit from integrated marketing and communications support, including visibility across mall digital screens, social media platforms, influencer collaborations, and media outreach campaigns.
One of the key advantages of the programme is access to Majid Al Futtaim’s SHARE loyalty programme, which connects brands with a customer base exceeding 10 million users. This level of exposure provides SMEs with a rare opportunity to reach large audiences and build brand recognition in a relatively short period.
The initiative also goes beyond traditional retail activations. Rather than functioning as a temporary pop-up concept, Ma’an has been designed as a long-term growth platform, enabling businesses to establish a sustainable market presence while benefiting from ongoing customer and partner engagement.
Eligibility for the programme is open to UAE-based SMEs that have been operational for at least 12 months and can demonstrate a compelling brand story. With limited spaces available, companies are encouraged to apply early as demand for participation is expected to be high.
Industry observers note that initiatives like Ma’an play a crucial role in strengthening the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly at a time when SMEs are increasingly recognised as key drivers of economic growth, innovation, and job creation.
The launch also reflects Dubai’s broader ambition to position itself as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, where businesses of all sizes can access the tools, networks, and opportunities needed to succeed.
By enabling SMEs to connect with customers faster and more effectively, the Ma’an initiative is set to create lasting value not only for participating businesses but also for the wider community, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a dynamic and supportive environment for enterprise.
