Deliveroo Partners with Dubai SME to Propel Emirati F&B Startups into Digital Era

Dubai’s small business scene just got a fresh boost. Dubai SME, which sits under the Department of Economy and Tourism, has teamed up with Deliveroo to give Emirati-owned startups in the food and beverage world a better shot at growth. The two have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that’s meant to smooth the path for entrepreneurs who often find the digital side of things a bit of a faff when they’re just starting out.

At the heart of this agreement is a push to help homegrown businesses plug into Deliveroo’s technology and customer network at lower cost. We’re talking special onboarding rates, preferential commission terms, and even proper marketing support inside the app. It’s a package that doesn’t just shave costs—it helps these kitchen-table concepts look and feel more like established players from day one. Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, put it plainly: the goal is to accelerate digital transformation while keeping entrepreneurs competitive in a market that’s buzzing with new ideas.

On Deliveroo’s side, Nick Price, who runs their Middle East operations, stressed that giving Emirati SMEs the right tools is key to long-term sustainability. And he’s probably spot on. From in-app promos to hands-on onboarding and training sessions, the plan looks less like a one-off perk and more like a genuine support system. I reckon that’s exactly what some of these founders need when margins are tight and the learning curve is steep.

Now, SMEs already account for over 90% of Dubai’s registered businesses. That’s a mind-boggling figure when you pause to think about it. And food entrepreneurs in particular play a big role in shaping Dubai’s reputation as a global dining destination. So, the fact that this MoU ties directly into Dubai’s “D33” economic roadmap—doubling the city’s economy by 2033—shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise.

What struck me when reading through this was how it mirrors conversations I’ve had with founders across the MENA region. Many of them tell us at **Arageek** that going digital early felt daunting, almost like they were being asked to fly before learning to walk. This kind of partnership, with its scaffolding of practical training and marketing fuel, could very well keep more of them on their feet.

Dubai SME has some pretty bold ambitions too—supporting the creation of 8,000 new Emirati ventures by 2033, which would bring the total to 27,000. Ambitious? Definately. But with partnerships like this one, it feels less pie-in-the-sky and more within reach.

On the flip side, entrepreneurs will still need to navigate the everyday grind of hiring, sourcing, and standing out in a market that doesn’t exactly lack choice. But having Deliveroo in your corner—alongside Dubai SME—is a bit like turning up to a marathon already knowing the fastest route. And in today’s competitive climate, that head start could make all the difference.

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