• This programme builds on Dubai’s AED 1 billion economic incentive package designed to ease financial pressures on businesses
  • It offers media and influencer promotion along with exposure to more than 10 million SHARE loyalty members
  • Registrations are now open for UAE-based small and medium-sized enterprises that have been running for a minimum of 12 months

Dubai: Majid Al Futtaim, a leading pioneer in shopping malls, communities, retail, and leisure across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, in partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has launched Ma’an by Majid Al Futtaim. Building on Dubai’s recently approved AED 1 billion economic incentive package aimed at easing financial pressures on businesses, Ma’an aims to create a new platform for UAE entrepreneurs and emerging businesses to grow their brands at scale, all while driving seamless collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate impact.

Meaning “together” in Arabic, Ma’an is designed to give promising UAE-based small and medium-sized businesses a direct pathway to one of the region’s most powerful consumer ecosystems. From Mall of the Emirates and THAT Concept Store to VOX Cinemas, Carrefour, and other Majid Al Futtaim destinations, selected brands will be able to showcase their products where millions of customers shop, dine, and spend their time.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), said: “This initiative reflects the importance of strategic public-private collaboration in creating practical growth opportunities for SMEs. By connecting emerging businesses with established consumer platforms, Ma’an enables entrepreneurs to strengthen market access, build brand visibility, and accelerate commercial growth. The programme also supports Dubai SME’s continued mandate to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen the SME ecosystem in line with priorities of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and as per the directions of our city’s leadership.”

Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Holding, said: “The role of our malls has always been to bring people and communities together, and that responsibility has never been more important than it is today. 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.

“This initiative, delivered in close partnership with Dubai SME and the Department of Economy and Tourism, demonstrates the strength of public–private collaboration in advancing the nation’s entrepreneurial ambitions. We are proud to stand alongside our government partners in supporting the next generation of UAE businesses and look forward to welcoming these emerging brands into the Majid Al Futtaim ecosystem.”

More than just a pop-up concept, Ma’an is built to promote growth. In addition to physical retail opportunities, participating businesses will benefit from Majid Al Futtaim’s marketing and communications platforms, including visibility through the SHARE app, social media, mall digital screens, media outreach, and collaborations with influencers and lifestyle partners. Together, these channels give entrepreneurs access to audiences and brand-building opportunities that can often take years to unlock.

The programme is now open for applications from UAE-based businesses that have been running for a minimum of 12 months and have a compelling brand story.

Created in partnership with Dubai SME, Ma’an also supports Dubai’s broader efforts to foster entrepreneurship, strengthen economic diversity, and champion local business success. By helping emerging brands connect with customers faster and more meaningfully, the initiative aims to create lasting value not only for entrepreneurs, but for the wider community.

Businesses selected for the inaugural cohort will be contacted directly. With limited spaces available, eligible brands are encouraged to apply early.

Click the link to register here: majidalfuttaim.com/en/ma-an-by-majid-al-futtaim

About Majid Al Futtaim

Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is an Emirati-owned, diversified lifestyle conglomerate with operations across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Inspired by the vision of its late founder, Mr. Majid Al Futtaim, to create great moments for everyone, everyday; the company has grown into one of the region’s most respected businesses. The Group employs more than 41,000 people and serves 600 million customers across its physical and digital ecosystem each year. With owned assets valued at US$20 billion, Majid Al Futtaim has the highest credit rating (BBB) among privately held companies in the region.

Majid Al Futtaim owns 29 shopping malls including the flagship Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, and Mall of Oman as well as the iconic City Centre destinations.  Its real estate portfolio includes seven luxury hotels and five mixed-use developments, and it is the creator of highly sought after communities including Ghaf Woods and Tilal Al Ghaf in Dubai, Al Zahia in Sharjah and Al Mouj in Muscat.

In 1995, Majid Al Futtaim introduced modern grocery retail to the region. Today, it owns and operates a portfolio of brands across a network of nearly 500 stores.

Majid Al Futtaim’s assets and interests act as a gateway into the Middle East for global fashion, home and beauty brands, including lululemon, LEGO, Crate and Barrel, and Shiseido, as well as regional multi-brand, omnichannel concept store, THAT. It is the proud operator of more than 600 VOX Cinemas screens and owns a network of world-class leisure and entertainment experiences including the renowned Ski Dubai.    

All of its retail and entertainment experiences are linked through SHARE, the UAE’s fastest growing loyalty programme, which leverages AI and advanced data analytics to bring customers personalised rewards, unique experiences and great moments, everyday.

www.majidalfuttaim.com

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About the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME):

As a subsidiary of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai SME was created as a resource for support, information and outreach for the growing small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. Dubai SME aims to drive the growth of Emirati entrepreneurship and SME businesses, support members throughout their entrepreneurial journey, enable SMEs to increase their contribution to Dubai’s economy and promote innovation and leadership across all segments of the sector.

Inspired by the visionary leadership of Dubai, and in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, Dubai SME prioritises the integration of entrepreneurs and national talents into the entrepreneurial ecosystem, with a focus on fostering a new generation of innovative and ambitious young Emirati talents. This strategy is pivotal to establishing a comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem characterised by its ability to develop home-grown businesses and subsequently encourage and support them in their efforts to evolve into leading companies on the global stage. Dubai SME is committed to providing UAE Nationals comprehensive support, helping them establish their business from start to finish - from planning their finances to simplifying official procedures and registration.