// EXPERT PROFILE //

The UAE continues to solidify its position as a start-up hub , with 557,000 SMEs contributing significantly to the non-oil GDP . With the government aiming to increase this number to 1 million by 2030 and AED4.3 billion in venture capital already flowing into start-ups , the competitive landscape demands strategic approaches to growth . Anastasiya Golovatenko , PR Director at Sherpa Communications , highlights essential strategies for scaling start-ups in a competitive market .

THE UAE HAS SOLIDIFIED ITS POSITION AS A LEADER IN DIGITAL ADOPTION , INTRODUCING A LOT OF INITIATIVES AND CHANGES ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL .

MALL- AND MEDIUM-

SIZED enterprises ( SMEs ) are pivotal to the economic landscape of any country , and the UAE exemplifies this with remarkable clarity . As of mid-2022 , the UAE was home to approximately 557,000 SMEs , which contributed to over 63.5 % of the non-oil GDP . This significant impact is poised to expand , with projections suggesting the number of SMEs could rise to 1 million by 2030 . In light of their vital role , it ’ ll be useful to dive into some essential communication strategies that can help SMEs effectively establish their market presence .

Understanding the market

The UAE has solidified its position as a leader in digital adoption , introducing a lot of initiatives and changes on the national level . This advancement has firmly placed the nation at the forefront of digital integration within the region . According to DataReportal ’ s 2024 study , The State of Digital in the United Arab Emirates , the country is experiencing a profound digital shift . soared to 112 %, with many holding more than one account . Moreover , the mobile connection rate is an impressive 219.4 %, identifying a society that is thoroughly digital and engaged .

Digital is king

During their business journey , it ’ s more crucial than ever for SMEs to establish a strong online presence . If your business can ’ t be easily discovered online , consider that it doesn ’ t exist . It is crucial not only for brands to have an online presence but also to rank highly in online searches for various customer requests . Moreover , considering most consumers won ’ t be familiar with a company ’ s name , it ’ s important for businesses to focus on appearing in searches for the most frequently researched keywords in their industry . Prioritising keyword optimisation ( SEO ) as

With a population nearing 10 million , an impressive 97 % of its residents are Internet users , and social media penetration has

34 Intelligent SME . tech