Majid Al Futtaim and Dubai SME Boost UAE Startups with Ma’an Initiative

Majid Al Futtaim has teamed up with Dubai SME to roll out a new initiative aimed at giving homegrown businesses in the UAE a stronger shot at scaling up. The programme, called *Ma’an*, which means “together” in Arabic, is designed to plug emerging brands directly into one of the region’s most powerful retail and lifestyle ecosystems.

The launch comes on the back of Dubai’s recently approved AED 1 billion economic incentive package, introduced to ease financial pressures on companies and stimulate growth. In that wider context, Ma’an feels less like a marketing exercise and more like a strategic nudge to help small and medium-sized enterprises find their footing in a competitive market.

At its core, Ma’an offers selected UAE-based SMEs access to Majid Al Futtaim’s vast consumer network, from Mall of the Emirates and THAT Concept Store to VOX Cinemas and Carrefour. For a young brand, getting shelf space or visibility in these venues can be a game changer, not just for revenue, but for credibility. I’ve seen founders hustle for years just to land a spot in a major mall; it can be a bit of a faff navigating landlords, fees and footfall expectations. This programme aims to smooth that path.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, said the initiative reflects the importance of linking public and private sectors to create practical growth channels for entrepreneurs. By integrating smaller businesses into established consumer platforms, he noted, Ma’an supports brand visibility and commercial expansion, while aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and the broader direction set by the emirate’s leadership.

From Majid Al Futtaim’s side, CEO Ahmed Galal Ismail emphasised that malls have always played a role in bringing communities together, and that supporting small businesses is part of that responsibility. SMEs, he said, form a cornerstone of the UAE’s economic and social fabric. He pointed to the close collaboration with Dubai SME and the Department of Economy and Tourism as an example of how public–private partnerships can push forward the country’s entrepreneurial ambitions.

But Ma’an goes beyond offering physical retail space. Participating brands will also tap into Majid Al Futtaim’s marketing muscle, including promotion through the SHARE app, social media channels, in-mall digital screens, media exposure and even influencer collaborations. For many startups, building that kind of visibility can take years, and plenty of trial and error. Having it bundled from day one is, frankly, spot on.

The programme is open to UAE-based businesses that have been operating for at least 12 months and can demonstrate a compelling brand story. Spaces are limited, and selected companies will be contacted directly.

On the flip side, initiatives like this always raise the question: how many SMEs can realistically benefit at once? I reckon the real measure of success will be whether Ma’an becomes a long-term bridge rather than a one-off showcase. And believe it or not, that continuity is what founders often value most, stability, not just spotlight.

For readers who follow Arageek, the bigger picture matters. Strengthening economic diversity and empowering local entrepreneurs isn’t just a policy buzzword in the UAE; it’s a necessity for sustainable growth. Programmes like Ma’an won’t solve every challenge overnight, well, I mean… no accelerator or retail push ever does, but they definately signal that collaboration, not competition, is the way forward.

If executed well, Ma’an could help a new generation of UAE brands move from niche to mainstream, faster and with fewer barriers. And in a market as dynamic as Dubai’s, that kind of access can make all the difference.

🚀 Got exciting news to share?

If you're a startup founder, VC, or PR agency with big updates—funding rounds, product launches 📢, or company milestones 🎉 — AraGeek English wants to hear from you!

✉️ Send Us Your Story 👇

https://en.arageek.com/send-us-your-story-or-a-news-tip