MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)

As regional developments played out across the Middle East, UAE companies, banks and government-linked entities rolled out a wave of initiatives aimed at supporting consumers, small businesses, and frontline workers.

Majid Al Futtaim, a leading developer of shopping malls, retail, and leisure destinations across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, has partnered with Dubai SME to launch "Ma'an" – Arabic for together.

The platform is designed to give UAE entrepreneurs access to its prime retail spaces, including Mall of the Emirates, Carrefour, VOX Cinemas, and THAT Concept Store.

"This initiative reflects the importance of strategic public-private collaboration in creating practical growth opportunities for SMEs," said Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, acting CEO of Dubai SME.

In addition to offering physical retail space, Ma'an aims to help small businesses scale by providing them with access to Majid Al Futtaim's marketing and communications resources through digital platforms, social media and influencer collaborations.

Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, said: "Small businesses are a cornerstone of the UAE's economic and social fabric, and Ma'an reflects our commitment to creating pathways for homegrown brands to scale and thrive."

Other companies are taking similar approaches to reduce barriers and boost visibility for local brands.

Noon Food has introduced a "Local Supports Local" campaign, offering zero commission for newly onboarded restaurants until the end of April, alongside enhanced in-app visibility to drive orders.

"The campaign is designed to help local businesses grow, scale, and reach more customers, while also encouraging consumers to discover and support homegrown brands on the platform," Noon Food said.

Retailer Brands for Less has launched a community-driven programme offering selected SMEs rent-free retail space, marketing support and opportunities to feature products in-store.

Bedashing Beauty Lounge, part of Omorfia Group, has launched The Bedashing Collective, an initiative dedicated to supporting and empowering homegrown Emirati beauty brands across the UAE.  

By creating dedicated spaces within its salons in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the collective offers local entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their products, share their stories, and connect with a wider community.

"As a homegrown brand, we believe we all belong here. This April, we're creating space in our salons for local Emirati brands to be seen, discovered and celebrated," Bedashing Beauty Lounge said.

Meanwhile, consultancy The Jazzy Compass has partnered with the UAE Africa Networking Group to launch a month-long campaign promoting small businesses through giveaways and curated exposure, encouraging consumer spending on local brands.

Banks Provide Financial Relief and Flexibility

UAE banks are also stepping in with targeted financial relief measures for both individuals and businesses.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has launched "Sanadna", a programme supporting frontline workers, including members of the armed forces, police and emergency services. Benefits include payment deferrals, fee waivers, preferential financing rates and complimentary takaful coverage.

The initiative also extends to SMEs, offering instalment deferrals, fee reductions on point-of-sale services and business protection solutions.

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has introduced similar measures, including payment postponements, waived fees, cashback incentives and zero-interest instalment plans, aimed at easing financial burdens for frontline personnel.

Meanwhile, Emirates NBD has rolled out a Business Support Package focused on SMEs, waiving a range of fees, from loan deferment charges to ATM withdrawals, and offering discounts on trade finance and cash management services. The bank said the measures are intended to "lend confidence to the business community" amid current regional conditions, while complementing government and central bank initiatives.

Maintaining Supply Chains amid Disruption

At the policy level, Dubai launched Dh1 billion economic stimulus package aimed at easing financial pressures on businesses and individuals over the next three to six months.

The package includes deferring government fees, extending customs grace periods from 30 to 90 days, and simplifying residency processes to attract and retain talent – measures designed to support liquidity and business continuity during this period of uncertainty.

Beyond financial support, authorities are also addressing operational challenges facing businesses.

In Abu Dhabi, a new platform known as ADEED, the UAE Supply Chain Support Platform, has been launched by logistics group 7X in collaboration with key government entities. The system uses AI to connect companies with logistics providers and regulators, helping resolve bottlenecks and maintain the flow of goods.

Businesses can flag disruptions ranging from sourcing materials to transport issues, with the platform coordinating solutions across air, sea and land logistics, while facilitating customs clearance and quality compliance.