du and MBRE partner to support national SME businesses

Press release

Published March 27th, 2011 - 01:27 GMT

During the agreement

Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development (MBRE), an agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED), has signed a partnership agreement with du to give priority to members of MBRE in Dubai who are accredited with the Government Procurement Program when providing tenders or bids at du.

The agreement was signed by Abdul Baset Al Janahi, Chief Executive Officer of Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, and Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Human Resources and Shared Services Officer, du, attended by officials from Dubai SME and du.

As per the agreement, MBRE will provide a list of its accredited members to du, so that the company can allocate an agreed percentage of selected purchases for some categories of its goods and services specifically to them.

"The agreement with du will provide the opportunity for Mohammed Bin Rashid establishment for SME Development (MBRE) members to explore tangible new opportunities. This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen the national economy through modern methods and techniques for the SME sector," said Al Janahi.

He added: “Enhanced co-operation is one of the cornerstones of the growth of small and medium enterprises. Our agreement with du not only highlights the increased focus of Mohammed Bin Rashid establishment for SME Development (MBRE) in promoting public-private partnerships but also in creating new growth opportunities for the SME sector.”

Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Human Resources and Shared Services Officer, du, said: ”We are proud of this partnership and to be able to contribute as a national company in nurturing the SME sector especially with regard to Emarati entrepreneurs. Through this agreement, we want to support the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment members by offering them the opportunity and priority in providing services to du in various fields in which they specialise.”

Background Information

Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Size Enterprises

In September 2009, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai issued Law No.23 of 2009 concerning the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Size Enterprises, recently renamed the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders.

The law defines the goals of the establishment for strengthening Dubai’s position as a centre for entrepreneurship and allows for the setting up of projects which encourage entrepreneurship and the innovative ideas of youth. This move seeks to motivate youth to work, as well as to pursue economic activity, such as the development and organisation of programs and initiatives.

Company Profile

Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du)

Ever since we opened for business in 2006, we have worked hard to enhance and expand our bouquet of services in an industry that is at the heart of economic and social transformation. Bringing people and businesses together is what we do best, offering mobile and fixed telephony, broadband connectivity and IPTV services to people, homes and businesses all over the UAE. We also provide carrier services, a data hub, internet exchange facilities and satellite services for broadcasters.

Company Profile

Department of Economic Development

The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the government body entrusted to set and drive the economic agenda of the emirate of Dubai, UAE. The DED supports the structural transformation of Dubai into a diversified, innovative service-based economy that aims to improve the business environment and accelerate productivity growth.