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DUBAI / GULF TIME
Danube Group, a leading conglomerate in the Middle East and Dubai SME, a subsidiary of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, have signed a Cooperation Agreement to diversify the buyer base and expand market opportunities for Emirati-owned SMEs.
The signing ceremony took place at Danube Properties Headquarters in Dubai, with Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, and H.E. Abdelbaset Mohammed Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, in attendance.
Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, stated, “We are proud to partner with Dubai SME to support the growth and development of small and medium Emirati-owned enterprises in Dubai. Dubai is a hub of opportunities and this agreement is a testament to our ongoing commitment to support and nurture the business community and contribute to the economic growth of Dubai. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank H.E. Abdelbaset Mohammed Al Janahi and their team.”
H.E. Abdelbaset Mohammed Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, commented: “This agreement with Danube Group is a testament to the unique model of public-private partnerships that define the success of the D33 Agenda, underpinned by the visionary leadership’s commitment to make Dubai the best city to visit, live in, and work in. It is a significant step towards expanding market opportunities for our SME members, paving the way for notable revenue growth and job creation. By connecting them with private sector buyers and streamlining the tendering process, we are also creating an environment that fosters competition and innovation. We deeply appreciate the continued support from prominent private sector groups like Danube, as we look to further strengthen our ongoing collaboration with stakeholders and partners.”
Expanding Market Opportunities
This strategic partnership aims to attract private sector buyers from various industries, offering Dubai SME-listed members and suppliers a broader range of tender opportunities. By including private sector buyers, the programme opens new avenues for growth and business expansion, enhancing the market reach for Emirati-owned SMEs and fostering economic development in Dubai.
Enhancing Competition
The agreement seeks to increase the number of buyers participating in the programme, fostering healthy competition among the Members’ suppliers. This competitive environment will drive innovation, improve quality, and promote efficiency, ensuring that Dubai SME-listed members can deliver top-notch products and services to meet market demands.
Streamlining the Tendering Process
One of the key objectives of the collaboration is to streamline the tendering process for private-sector buyers. The programme will simplify the process of posting tenders and evaluating supplier proposals, making it easier for private sector buyers to engage with Dubai SME members. Additionally, it will help SME members understand and comply with the unique requirements and standards of private sector buyers, facilitating smoother transactions and partnerships.
Fostering Partnerships and Collaborations
The partnership will also focus on fostering collaborations between Dubai SME members and private sector buyers. By facilitating networking opportunities, the programme encourages the formation of long-term business associations, driving mutual growth and success. These partnerships are expected to lead to innovative solutions and sustainable business practices, benefiting the broader business ecosystem in Dubai.
By supporting Emirati-owned SMEs through initiatives like this, Danube Group is helping to create a thriving business environment that fosters growth, innovation, and sustainability.
Danube Group is a Dubai-based diversified business conglomerate with interests in building materials, home décor, hospitality solutions, and real estate development. Established in 1993 by Founder and Chairman Rizwan Sajan, a UAE-based entrepreneur, Danube Group achieved US$2 billion (Dh7.34billion) in annual turnover in 2022.
The group’s flagship company, Danube Building Materials FZCO, is the largest supplier of quality building materials in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It provides more than 50,000 products in stock and in-house value-added services in all of its multiple showrooms across the Middle East region and India.
Danube Group stands tall with several verticals that include Danube Building Materials, Danube Properties, Danube Home, Danube Sports World, Alucopanel Middle East, Danube Hospitality Solutions, Starz Media (FilmFare), American Aesthetic Centre, Casa Milano,and others.
Danube Group employs more than 4,500 people across the GCC and India, representing 44 nationalities.