Small and medium-sized businesses are the heart of any economy—and Abu Dhabi knows it. To support and uplift these vital contributors, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has officially launched a new SME Mentorship Hub, a game-changing platform designed to guide, train and mentor emerging business owners in the emirate.
The move is seen as a major step in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to build a stronger, more resilient private sector, especially for startups and entrepreneurs navigating the early stages of their journey.
The SME Mentorship Hub is not just another business programme—it is a personalised, hands-on approach that connects entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders and mentors who’ve already walked the same path. Whether someone is launching a tech startup, a food truck, or a fashion brand, the platform is designed to give them the knowledge, confidence and resources to scale their business successfully.
Why It Matters for Abu Dhabi’s Business Scene
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) make up more than 90% of all companies in the UAE. They also account for a large portion of the country’s workforce and GDP. In Abu Dhabi specifically, the government has been investing heavily in infrastructure, innovation and education to support these businesses.
The SME Mentorship Hub now adds another layer of support by providing access to real-world expertise. It bridges the gap between experienced business minds and ambitious newcomers who need guidance but may not know where to find it.
The Hub focuses on practical learning—things like funding options, marketing strategies, legal compliance, hiring practices, and even emotional resilience. The idea is simple: equip small business owners with tools they can use right away, instead of just theory.
What the Hub Offers
The programme includes:
- One-on-one mentorship: Entrepreneurs can book time with seasoned business owners who offer advice tailored to their specific needs.
- Workshops and training sessions: Topics range from digital marketing and financial planning to pitch deck creation and customer service.
- Networking events: These allow entrepreneurs to meet investors, peers, and potential partners.
- Business clinics: Drop-in sessions where experts help resolve common problems faced by startups.
- Online support portal: A digital library full of resources, guides, templates, and case studies.
All of these services are curated and delivered in both English and Arabic to ensure accessibility for all kinds of business owners across different backgrounds.
A Collaborative Effort
The SME Mentorship Hub isn’t operating in isolation. It’s backed by a strong ecosystem of public and private sector players. This includes major companies in Abu Dhabi, financial institutions, legal experts, and marketing professionals who have all agreed to give their time and insight to help the next generation of businesses grow.
In launching this platform, the Abu Dhabi Chamber has made it clear that it sees mentorship as one of the most powerful tools for success. According to them, the idea came after years of listening to SME owners who repeatedly said they struggled to find the right guidance when starting out.
By making mentorship widely available and structured, the Chamber hopes to reduce the failure rate of small businesses, encourage innovation, and attract more Emiratis to consider entrepreneurship as a long-term career.
Strong Vision from the Top
Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, the CEO of Abu Dhabi Chamber, expressed his confidence in the initiative. He said the hub reflects the Chamber’s dedication to helping SMEs reach their potential and play a bigger role in the national economy.
He added that this initiative is aligned with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which emphasises sustainable economic growth, innovation, and diversification beyond oil.
Al Qubaisi also mentioned that mentorship is not only about solving problems—it’s about building confidence. “When a new entrepreneur sees someone who has succeeded, it becomes a source of inspiration. That inspiration can lead to bold decisions, better planning and faster growth.”
Open to All Sectors
One of the strongest points of the SME Mentorship Hub is that it’s open to businesses from all sectors—retail, tech, hospitality, health, creative industries, construction, and more.
Whether it’s a one-person operation or a growing team of 20, every SME can apply to be a part of the programme. The mentors are selected from various industries too, so mentees can learn from professionals with direct experience in their specific line of work.
There’s also a focus on inclusivity. Female-led businesses, youth entrepreneurs, and those based in remote areas of Abu Dhabi will be actively encouraged to join and benefit from the hub.
Long-Term Impact
While the full impact of the SME Mentorship Hub will be seen over time, early reactions have been positive. Business owners who’ve had a chance to test the platform say it feels supportive, relevant, and easy to navigate.
Many believe it will fill a key gap in the market—especially for first-time founders who often don’t have access to professional networks or investment communities.
It’s also expected to make Abu Dhabi even more attractive for business ventures, particularly among young Emiratis who want to innovate but need a little help to get started.
What’s Next?
The Chamber plans to expand the platform in the coming months, bringing in more mentors and launching targeted programmes for specific industries like fintech, e-commerce and sustainable products.
They are also working on adding a digital matchmaking feature, where businesses can connect with mentors based on their needs, challenges and goals.
At its core, the SME Mentorship Hub is about human connection—real advice from real people, based on real experiences.
It’s this personal approach that makes it stand out and could make all the difference for SMEs looking to succeed in an increasingly competitive market.
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