With small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) contributing almost half of Dubai’s GDP and employing 42 percent of the Dubai workforce, supporting the SME sector has become a key economic priority for the Emirati government.
In 2011, Dubai SME, an arm of Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED), launched the Dubai SME 100 ranking to support the top performing SMEs.
The top 100 SMEs have a combined turnover of AED 4.5 million and a total workforce of over 7,105. According to Sami Al Qamzi, director general of the Department of Economic Development (DED), more than 3,000 SMEs applied or were nominated for the 2013 ranking, almost three times as many as the 1,092 SMEs in the first awards of 2011.
Just Falafel, which came in at no.49 in 2011, was the top SME in 2013. In the past two years the company has grown from some 30 locations to a massive 800-strong franchise business.
Next, Dubai SME will focus on fast-growing and new companies with listings for the High Growth 50 and Start-up 100.
How do I apply for Dubai SME 100?
Dubai SME’s top 100 only looks at companies with at least three years’ worth of audited financials. Companies are ranked every alternate year (i.e. 2011 , 2013, 2015 and so on). The application date for 2015 has not yet been announced but will be published on the Dubai SME 100 site once confirmed.
[ Compare SME accounts | Compare SME credit cards | Compare SME business finance | Compare SME equipment finance ]
There are no fees for applications, which can be made online at the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development (MBRE). The evaluation process takes about six months and the results are published on Dubai SME 100.
The Dubai SME 100 – 2013
- Just Falafel
- Wavetec
- INDEX Holding
- DDE
- Elcome International
- Dimara International
- Al Jaber Optical Centre
- Merlin Digital
- Biz-Group
- Hira Industries
- PTL Solar
- SPF Realty
- Links Group of Companies
- Ozon Techno Commercial
- Sanipex Group
- SamTech Middle East
- Beta Information Tehnology
- DGT
- HIMA
- EnerPlastics
- Blossom Children’s Nursery
- Empire Aviation Group
- Ahdaaf Sports Club
- HiPhone Telecom
- German Imaging Technologies
- Niti Computers
- Kimoha Entrepreneurs Ltd
- Sea of Incense & Perfume
- Al Shami Sugar & Grains Packing
- Geochem Middle East
- Paramount Computer Systems
- Corporate Business Services
- Nets International Communications
- Adam Consulting
- The Nail Spa
- Pasta Regina
- Advanced Baking Concept
- Zero Five Zero Telecom
- WMS Metal Industries
- Lunatus Marketing & Consultancy
- Help AG
- Romana Water Desalination & Distribution
- Centena Group
- Suntron Electronics
- Levenbert Consulting
- Propertyfinder.ae
- CADD Emirates
- Wilson Learning
- Flagships Project Marketing
- Ethos Consultancy
- CommIT
- Diva Models
- MAClines General Trading
- Entourage Marketing & Events
- Flying Elephant Events
- Innovative HR Solutions
- OP3 Design
- Bin Touq Fire & Safety
- Gulf Seafood
- AAA Roadside Assistance
- Adaptive Technologies
- Mycom systems
- Time Oak Hotels & Suites
- Das Collection
- Infotouch
- Satellite Visual Communication
- Appetite Catering Services
- Zams International
- Global Trust Enterprises
- ABCO Middle East
- MEPCO Gulf
- The Box Self Storage Services
- Triple Crown Shipping and Logistics
- Nirsun Technology
- Prodesign Advertising
- Walls & Floors Middle East
- Coffee Planet
- DuExcel Dubai Consultancy Training & Research Centre
- Abcon International
- Tonnit Design & Advertising
- Cyquent Technology Consultants
- Emirates Trans Graphics
- XpertLearning
- TASC Labour Services
- Regal Traders
- Ritmo Furniture Trading
- MRS Packaging
- Techlink Systems
- Tablix Technology
- Halley’s Comet Tourism
- Barrel Energy
- Lama Desert Tours
- Connect4 Digital Printing
- NAHAR Building Materials
- Al Wegdaniyah Transport Solutions
- Exclusive Acrylic
- ASK International
- 911 Fire Fighting & Safety Equipment Installation
- Barcode Gulf
- Khairallah Advocates & Legal Consultants
