Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), along with Dubai Chambers, has cemented a crucial strategic partnership with Tradeling, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s largest B2B digital ecosystem. Announced on January 27, 2026, this collaboration falls under the umbrella of the Dubai Traders Initiative and is designed to significantly accelerate the digital transformation of Dubai-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) specifically within the wholesale and business-to-business (B2B) trade sectors. This move strategically expands the initiative’s scope, unlocking new avenues for regional and international expansion.
Expanding Digital Horizons for Local Enterprises
The partnership builds upon the success of the Dubai Traders Initiative, which launched in 2024 and initially focused on B2C enablement through alliances with major platforms like noon and Amazon. By integrating Tradeling, an entity under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), the initiative now directly addresses the complex needs of the wholesale market. This step is central to the broader goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which targets doubling the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and reinforcing its status as a global hub for commerce and innovation.
The agreement signing ceremony marked the formal commitment, with attendance from His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, and His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ. The partnership documents were formally signed by His Excellency Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC)—the economic arm of DET—and Alastair Croker, CEO of Tradeling.
Addressing Critical Gaps in SME Enablement
The collaboration recognizes a vital need among local enterprises: access to efficient digital solutions for their wholesale operations. Historically, B2B transactions often lagged behind retail in digital adoption. This new focus aims to streamline processes, offering SMEs a direct way to connect with large institutional buyers and efficiently scale their distribution networks regionally and globally.
Speaking to the initiative’s importance, H.E. Hadi Badri emphasized the alignment with Dubai’s leadership vision: “The partnership with Tradeling marks an important chapter in empowering SMEs in the city to harness the benefits and seize the opportunities of a digitally driven economy.” He added that the collaboration reinforces the DEDC’s mission to create the most dynamic and accessible environment for SMEs, transforming entrepreneurial ambition into competitive advantage and strengthening the city’s role as a leading destination for innovation.
Key Benefits of the Tradeling Partnership for SMEs:
- Digital Wholesaling: Provides a dedicated platform for digitizing bulk sales and supply chain management.
- Market Access: Connects local traders, manufacturers, and distributors directly with large B2B buyers across MENA.
- Scalability: Offers tools and infrastructure necessary for efficient regional and international market penetration.
- D33 Contribution: Directly supports the city’s long-term economic goal of becoming a premier global trading nucleus.
Secure Local Growth, Foster Global Reach
This strategic move underscores Dubai’s commitment to fostering a resilient and forward-looking economy. By transitioning SMEs from traditional trade models to sophisticated digital wholesale ecosystems, the city is securing their viability while significantly boosting their potential export capabilities.
The partnership with Tradeling ensures that Dubai’s local business ecosystem is equipped with the necessary technology to compete on a global scale. As the Dubai Traders Initiative continues its phased growth, subsequent steps are expected to further integrate advanced digital tools and solutions into the core operations of enterprises, solidifying Dubai’s position as the optimal launchpad for businesses aiming for both regional influence and international growth. For SMEs looking to maximize their digital efficiency and market reach, utilizing these newly available B2B platforms is an immediate, actionable step toward alignment with the D33 agenda.