Dubai Chambers signs MoU with Kita to boost SME growth in Dubai
Dubai Chambers and Kita sign MoU to support SME growth with incentives, training and platform visibility, strengthening Dubai’s digital economy and entrepreneurship.
Dubai Chambers and Kita have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at accelerating growth for small and medium-sized enterprises across Dubai. The Dubai Chambers and Kita partnership will give member companies access to tailored incentives, simplified onboarding and increased visibility on the Kita on-demand delivery platform. Backed by global technology investor Meituan, Kita’s collaboration with the Chambers is positioned to expand market reach for local traders and enhance service efficiency in a highly competitive digital economy.
Benefits package for Dubai Chambers members
Under the MoU, Dubai Chambers members will receive a bundled set of commercial incentives and operational supports through Kita. These include priority placement inside the app, streamlined registration and activation processes, and targeted promotional opportunities to help brands reach new customer segments. The package also promises access to analytics and operational tools designed to reduce delivery friction and improve order fulfilment times.
Training and capability-building programmes
A core element of the agreement is a series of specialised training courses for participating SMEs. Programs will cover menu development, pricing strategy, and delivery logistics to help businesses optimise margins and customer experience. The training is intended to raise readiness for scale while equipping merchants with digital marketing techniques that increase discoverability on delivery platforms.
Dedicated branding and visibility measures
The initiative introduces a Dubai Chambers identity badge for member outlets on the Kita platform to raise awareness of locally endorsed businesses. The badge aims to promote UAE-based concepts and encourage consumers to explore emerging Emirati and Dubai-born brands. Kita will also offer curated features and in-app placements to highlight participating merchants during promotional campaigns and peak trading periods.
Leadership statements and strategic intent
Khaled Al Jarwan, Deputy CEO for Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, said the agreement reflects a commitment to empower SMEs with tools and market access. He stressed the importance of equipping entrepreneurs with practical channels for growth amid rapid economic transformation. Lucas Axi, General Manager of Kita UAE, described small and medium enterprises as “a cornerstone of Dubai’s economy” and emphasised Kita’s role in linking local merchants to broader customer bases and operational expertise.
Alignment with Dubai’s economic priorities
Officials framed the collaboration as consistent with Dubai’s broader agenda to become a global hub for entrepreneurship and digital commerce. The MoU reinforces the role of SMEs in driving inclusive growth and community development while supporting the emirate’s push for innovation and sustainable economic diversification. Observers say partnerships between trade institutions and technology platforms can accelerate adoption of digital services among traditional food and retail operators.
Implementation timeline and expected outcomes
The parties expect a phased rollout of the programme to Dubai Chambers members, beginning with onboarding and pilot promotion windows designed to demonstrate immediate impact. Early benefits cited in the agreement include faster merchant activation, measurable uplift in app visibility, and structured coaching to improve unit economics. Longer-term aims include strengthening business resilience, improving customer retention for listed merchants, and contributing to a more integrated digital marketplace in Dubai.
As the MoU moves into implementation, both Dubai Chambers and Kita will monitor uptake and performance metrics to refine incentives and training curricula. Participating businesses will be able to report results back to the Chambers, enabling adjustments tailored to sector needs and seasonal trading patterns.
The initiative underscores a shared ambition to build a more connected SME ecosystem in Dubai, leveraging platform technology and institutional support to expand market opportunities and operational competence for local companies.
