SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The second edition of Procurement Connect brought together government entities, major companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Abu Dhabi.
The event aimed to explore procurement opportunities, strengthen supplier partnerships and support local business growth.
Organised by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the initiative provided businesses with insights into upcoming projects, procurement priorities and supplier registration procedures.
Representatives from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Etihad Rail and Aldar highlighted opportunities for collaboration.
Speaking at the event, Aida Al Khoori, Director of Business Connect and Services at Abu Dhabi Chamber, highlighted the importance of connecting businesses with major procurement opportunities.
“This edition brings representatives from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to share insights into upcoming projects, procurement priorities and areas where businesses can engage and contribute,” she said.
Highlighting the challenges faced by smaller businesses, she explained that Procurement Connect was established to simplify access to procurement opportunities and strengthen engagement with major organisations.
“For many companies, particularly SMEs, navigating the procurement ecosystem can be complex and accessing opportunities is not always straightforward. This is why Procurement Connect was established,” she said.
Al Khoori added that the initiative aims to improve businesses’ understanding of procurement procedures, increase visibility of upcoming projects and create direct connections that support long-term growth.
“It also reflects our broader commitment to helping businesses move from awareness to engagement and from potential opportunities to tangible growth,” she said.
Khalifa Al Marzooqi– Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Director of the Supply Management Department, highlighted the importance of procurement partnerships in supporting the emirate’s cultural and tourism development.
“Our mission is to drive sustainable growth across Abu Dhabi's culture and tourism sector by creating an ecosystem that supports innovation and reflects the emirate's heritage and hospitality,” he said.
Al Marzooqi explained that the department's procurement activities focus on three main categories: consulting, events and marketing, creating opportunities for businesses across various sectors.
“Our procurement activities cover three major categories: consulting, events and marketing,” he said.
Highlighting efforts to expand supplier participation, he said the department closely monitors procurement spending and business engagement as key performance indicators.
“This year, we have already spent more than 100 million with over 50 companies, and we want to see that participation continue to grow,” he said.
Building on these remarks, Tamer Cheng, Procurement Business Partners Section Head - The Department of Culture and Tourism, emphasised the department’s commitment to creating accessible procurement opportunities and supporting local businesses.
“Fairness and transparency are central to our procurement approach, ensuring that companies have opportunities to participate and compete,” he said.
Cheng highlighted the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through procurement spending and the In-Country Value programme, which contributes to local business growth and economic development.
“Supporting the local business community is also an important priority. We dedicate a portion of our annual procurement expenditure to SMEs and encourage suppliers to strengthen their participation in our procurement ecosystem,” he said.
He also outlined the steps businesses can take to engage with the department, including supplier registration, accessing the tender portal and seeking guidance through supplier support services.
Meanwhile, Marwa AlAwadhi, Project Procurement Expert at Etihad Rail, highlighted the importance of strengthening SME participation in major infrastructure projects and creating opportunities for local suppliers.
“At Etihad Rail, SME engagement is not a separate initiative. It is embedded in the way we operate,” she said.
AlAwadhi explained that the company prioritises overall value, reliability and expertise rather than cost alone, recognising the innovative solutions and specialised capabilities that SMEs bring to its supply chain.
“We recognise that many SMEs offer responsiveness, specialised expertise and innovative solutions that larger organisations may not always be able to provide,” she said.
She added that Etihad Rail's procurement opportunities extend beyond specialised railway contracts to professional services, training, logistics, technology and facilities management, supporting the growth of UAE businesses and the wider industrial ecosystem.
Highlighting the importance of supplier registration, she encouraged SMEs to keep their company profiles, certifications and services updated to improve access to relevant opportunities.
“At Etihad Rail, we are continuously working to build a strong, diverse and resilient supplier ecosystem,” she said, emphasising the role of SMEs in supporting innovation and long-term growth.
Adham AlBlooshi, Director - Tendering at ALDAR highlighted the importance of developing sustainable business models within the real estate and development sector.
He focused on sustainability as a key consideration for businesses, reflecting the importance of long-term planning and responsible business practices.