Mergers to boost UAE's small business sector

The UAE’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector is poised for substantial expansion, with projections estimating nearly one million businesses by 2030.

As these enterprises navigate a competitive and dynamic environment, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have become essential strategies for sustainable growth. To maximise these opportunities, SMEs need tailored tools and expert guidance to achieve their growth ambitions and align with the UAE’s broader economic vision, experts say.

SMEs represent about 94 per cent of all businesses in the UAE, contributing approximately 64 per cent of the non-oil GDP and fostering innovation across a diverse range of industries. However, despite their critical role, SMEs often face significant obstacles in the field of M&A, such as disproportionately high costs, fragmented services, and limited access to specialized expertise. Given these challenges, there is an increasing need for accessible, affordable M&A solutions that support SMEs in their pursuit of growth, expansion, or strategic exit, says Akshay Dosaj, Co-Founder and CEO, Bidzi.

Bidzi is an online platform that provides a comprehensive M&A ecosystem under one trusted point of contact, facilitating a smooth and value-driven journey for sellers and buyers of private businesses.

The UAE government has placed SMEs at the forefront of the country’s long-term economic strategies, emphasizing their role in initiatives like Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030. These frameworks underscore the government’s commitment to creating a global entrepreneurial hub, where SMEs are key players in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.

“For SMEs, M&A provides valuable pathways for rapidly scaling operations, acquiring complementary businesses, or planning strategic exits. However, the traditional M&A process is often perceived as complex, involving intricate legal, financial, and operational challenges. As SMEs aim to capitalize on favorable market conditions, they require solutions that make M&A accessible, efficient, and cost-effective,” says Asif Rashid, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Bidzi.

“With the right support, SMEs can manage complex transactions, reduce costs, and enhance their value, positioning themselves as essential contributors to the UAE’s digital and economic transformation. In this context, platforms like Bidzi are not just supporting SMEs but also helping build the foundation for a digitally empowered, globally competitive future,” he adds.