According to the UAE's Ministry of Economy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent more than 94 per cent of the total number of companies operating in the country and provide jobs for more than 86 per cent of the private sector's workforce.

In Dubai alone, SMEs make up nearly 95 per cent of all companies, employing 42 per cent of the workforce and contributing around 40 per cent of Dubai's GDP.

The UAE government aims to enhance the contribution and performance of the SME sector.

Gulf Capital and MEED launched the first edition of our SME Awards in 2012. In partnership for the past seven years, we have dedicated our efforts to identifying the UAE's SME growth champions – the organisations and people who are contributing to the ongoing development of this critical part of the UAE's economy.

The awards provide a unique platform for SME’s to raise their profile, and promote their brands, products and services.

The awards recognise startups, innovative SMEs with exemplary products and services, and SMEs that invest in their employees and customer strategies, as well as the visionary entrepreneurs leading them.

Visit the Gulf Capital SME Awards website for more details.