Is Abu Dhabi the New SME Powerhouse?

It's been a busy and productive period for the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), and their latest update paints a clear picture of growth and a strong commitment to the local business scene. For those of us running or looking to start a business, especially SMEs, these insights offer a valuable look at the support structures in place and the overall economic direction.

Over the past nine months, from September 2024 to June 2025, ADCCI's membership has grown by 4.9 percent, now standing at an impressive 157,207 companies. This isn't just a number; it reflects a broader trend of businesses finding value in being part of the Chamber's ecosystem. The ADCCI attributes this growth to their focus on tailored services, bridging gaps between the private and public sectors, and improving access to investment opportunities – all crucial areas for SMEs.

A Look at the Chamber's Recent Efforts

The ADCCI has been quite active. They've hosted 69 business events with government bodies, bringing together important players to discuss challenges and opportunities. They also welcomed 70 trade and diplomatic delegations, which could open doors for local businesses looking to expand their reach. On top of that, 25 partnership agreements were signed, and the Chamber joined 11 outbound delegations. A notable move was opening their first overseas office in Poland, a strategic step to help Abu Dhabi businesses connect internationally.

His Excellency Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, emphasised that this rise in memberships really shows Abu Dhabi's economic strength. He highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between the public and private sectors, suggesting that this collaboration is key to continued success and that the Chamber sees itself as a vital partner in economic development. For SMEs, this sounds like a commitment to providing the tools and resources needed to compete effectively, even on a global scale.

Economic Backdrop and Private Sector Impact

This growth isn't happening in a vacuum. Abu Dhabi's economy itself is seeing positive movement, with its GDP reaching AED291 billion in Q1 2025, a 3.4 percent increase year-on-year. What's particularly encouraging for the private sector, and by extension, SMEs, is that non-oil sectors saw a 6.1 percent rise, now making up 56.2 percent of the total GDP. This indicates that economic diversification efforts are paying off, with areas like manufacturing, construction, finance, real estate, and trade being significant drivers. This shift means more varied opportunities for businesses beyond the traditional oil sector.

Internal Support and Future Outlook

Beyond their external engagements, the Chamber has also been working on improving its internal services. They reported a strong 90.23 percent customer satisfaction rating on the TAMM platform, and their call centre handled over 18,900 inquiries, showing a dedication to responsiveness.

For SMEs grappling with regulations or looking for clarity, the ADCCI has formed 15 working groups with business leaders to identify challenges and find solutions. They've also published 364 economic reports to help with decision-making and held 10 workshops attended by over 1,000 private sector representatives to shed light on legal and commercial opportunities. Recognising excellence, they've also honoured seven companies with the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award.

Effective communication about Abu Dhabi's business environment is also a priority. The emphasis on national media spotlighting private sector achievements suggests a move to share success stories more broadly, which can only be good for inspiring and informing the business community.

The ADCCI's work is clearly linked to Abu Dhabi's broader economic goals, with specific support for SMEs, exporters, and investors. Their 2025–2028 roadmap, developed with private sector input, aims to provide key market insights and access to investment opportunities, ultimately working towards sustainable and inclusive growth for Abu Dhabi's economy.

It seems the focus is on creating an environment where businesses, including our SMEs, cannot only operate but also thrive and grow.