With approximately 200,000 small and medium sized enterprises currently in operation in the UAE, the contribution of this key business sector to the country’s economy is significant. According to the government agency Dubai SME, not only does the SME sector generate up to 46 percent of the UAE’s GDP, it is also responsible for 86 percent of its total employment.  Meeting the needs of these companies and showcasing new business opportunities for both suppliers and procurers, the new SME Invest exhibition taking place in Dubai in March has already generated strong positive response from exhibitors. 

Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre in partnership with Dubai SME, the agency of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai mandated to develop the small and medium enterprises sector, SME Invest 2012 runs from 5 – 7 March at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.  The event offers a platform for SMEs, SME service providers and entrepreneurs to engage directly with procurement heads, specifiers and contract department heads from private and governmental agencies, and to develop lasting business relationships.

“SMEs form the backbone of any developing economy, driving innovation, employment and investment. With the additional strategic directive from the UAE government to actively support this sector, SMEs in the UAE are being fast-tracked to succeed,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre. “The new SME Invest show has been developed as a dynamic environment to facilitate business, make new contacts, increase knowledge and even source additional investment for their businesses. There is no other platform delivering such a comprehensive and compelling offering.”

The inaugural SME Invest Conference in collaboration with Dubai SME takes place on 5 and 6 March, alongside the show, and will be attended by high ranking regional policy makers, C-suite executives and divisional heads of governmental authorities, specialist procurement professionals and private institutions. Designed to provide thought leadership and insights into strategic decision making, the SME Invest Conference will provide the backbone for the event encouraging interaction between senior procurement professionals and influencers and the SME sector.

A number of key features and activities will be introduced at SME Invest to provide essential learning, networking, meeting and development opportunities for both established SME businesses and start-ups.

The Procurement Managers Exchange aims to stimulate and develop the SME sector further by providing SME’s with an opportunity to obtain greater penetration in the procurement process in specific industry sectors and especially working with Government organisations.

The Investor Connect sessions will provide established SMEs with a face-to-face opportunity to meet potential investors and partners to gain the financial and professional business support to expand and develop their business.

SME Invest is strictly a trade-only event and is open to business and trade visitors from within the industry only. Complimentary registration for the exhibition is available in advance online. (Persons under the age of 18 will not be permitted). SME Invest is open from 10am – 6pm Monday 5 March to Wednesday, 7 March.   

For more information, please visit www.sme-invest.com