Quickup launches Shop Local to boost UAE small businesses
Quickup launches Shop Local to connect UAE consumers with local SMEs, backed by Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund; 190 brands onboard, targeting 250.
Quickup, the UAE-based e‑commerce logistics provider, has launched a new Shop Local initiative to help consumers discover and support small and medium enterprises across the country. The Shop Local platform aims to raise the profile of local brands by providing a dedicated digital marketplace and tools to facilitate customer access. The initiative, supported by the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund, has already registered 190 participating brands and plans to expand to at least 250 companies in the coming weeks.
Quickup launches Shop Local platform
Quickup created Shop Local to centralize listings of UAE-based retailers and service providers and to simplify consumer discovery. The platform offers storefront visibility, customer engagement features and logistics integration that allow SMEs to list products quickly and reach buyers nationwide. By combining discoverability with delivery support, Quickup intends to reduce friction for both merchants and shoppers.
Backing from Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund
The Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund confirmed its support for Quickup, noting the role of targeted funding in accelerating promising startups. Fund representatives highlighted how early-stage backing has enabled Quickup to scale its operations and develop features tailored to SME needs. The endorsement reflects a wider government strategy to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and convert local startups into scalable economic contributors.
Leadership perspectives on SME empowerment
Officials emphasized that empowering innovative companies strengthens the national economy and supports long-term resilience. Fatima Yousuf Alnaqbi, representing the Ministry of Finance within the innovation fund, said integrated support at the right time helps firms expand and deliver higher‑value solutions. Quickup’s chief executive framed the initiative as a community service that reinforces the centrality of local businesses in the UAE economy.
Participation and growth targets
Shop Local has already onboarded 190 brands, spanning retail, services and niche artisanal producers, and is actively accepting new applications from UAE-based companies. Quickup aims to reach a minimum of 250 participating businesses within several weeks, a target driven by targeted outreach and platform enhancements. The company expects the expanded roster to increase choice for consumers and provide a visible channel for local brand discovery.
Features designed for merchant adoption
The platform emphasizes ease of onboarding and operational support to lower barriers for small businesses that lack digital infrastructure. Participating merchants benefit from listing tools, order management, and integrated logistics handled by Quickup’s network, which reduces the technical burden on sellers. Quickup also plans marketing support and analytics features to help brands understand customer behavior and strengthen direct relationships.
Anticipated impact on local commerce
Organizers and fund backers argue Shop Local will amplify the economic contribution of SMEs by expanding market access and enhancing brand visibility. By directing more consumer spend toward domestic businesses, the initiative aims to reinforce local supply chains and create more sustainable revenue streams. Observers say the platform could also encourage entrepreneurship by demonstrating a clear route to customers and streamlined fulfillment.
Quickup’s Shop Local initiative positions digital discovery and logistics as complementary levers for SME growth, leveraging government-backed innovation funding to accelerate scale and reach. The platform’s early traction and clear expansion targets suggest a focused effort to integrate small businesses into the broader e‑commerce ecosystem in the UAE. As the initiative opens more spaces for merchants and consumers alike, its success will be measured by merchant sign-ups, active sales, and the degree to which it strengthens local market connections.