‘Shop Local’, a new initiative aimed at helping consumers across the UAE discover and support homegrown businesses, while giving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) greater visibility, has been launched by a local platform Quiqup.

It will bring together UAE-based brands in one place, allowing users to easily browse, discover and purchase from local businesses that often face challenges standing out in crowded digital spaces.

Open to small and local businesses nationwide, ‘Shop Local’ is designed to address one of the most common hurdles SMEs encounter, reaching the right audience. By offering a dedicated channel, the initiative aims to help businesses build awareness, drive sales and support long-term growth.

The launch coincides with the announcement of the establishment of the Dh1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund to boost localisation within key industries by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Strengthening local businesses

Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for the Support Services Sector at the Ministry of Finance and representative at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund, highlighted the importance of enabling high-potential businesses to scale.

She noted that supporting companies at the right stage allows them to contribute more effectively to the economy, particularly in the UAE, where innovation and entrepreneurship play a key role in driving growth and creating new opportunities.

Bassel El Koussa, CEO of Quiqup, said the initiative reflects the company’s belief in strengthening connections between businesses and communities.

He added that ‘Shop Local’ is intended to create opportunities for local brands to grow, deepen customer engagement and build a stronger market presence, while encouraging consumers to play a more active role in supporting the local economy.

The platform has already received 190 brand submissions, with Quiqup aiming to onboard at least 250 businesses in the coming weeks.

The UAE has announced a new Dh1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund as part of a broader push to strengthen local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.

The initiative, revealed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aims to boost domestic production across key sectors, enhance supply chain resilience, and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence in industrial operations.

The move forms part of a wider strategy to reinforce the country’s industrial base while supporting long-term economic diversification.

Everyday consumer staples

A central goal of the plan is to localise the production of more than 5,000 essential goods. The first phase will focus on everyday consumer staples that can be scaled locally, including bottled water, dairy products, eggs, poultry, bread, flour, vegetable oils, and seasonal produce.

Authorities say implementation will involve close coordination between government entities, private sector partners, retailers, and digital platforms. Dedicated retail space will also be allocated to UAE-made products to improve visibility and consumer access.

Encouraging investment

In parallel, the government has approved an expansion of the National In-Country Value Programme, making it mandatory across federal entities and national companies. The policy is designed to increase demand for locally produced goods and services, while encouraging businesses to invest within the country.

Retailers and e-commerce platforms will also be encouraged to prioritise Emirati products, further supporting domestic manufacturers.

The UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for industry and innovation, with a growing focus on advanced manufacturing, food security, and technology-driven production.

The UAE has marked a significant milestone in its logistics sector, with Etihad Rail successfully transporting its first consignment of Nissan vehicles by rail from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi.

The shipment, carried from the ports of Fujairah to the dry port at the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), represents the first time cars have been transported via the country’s national rail network. The move was carried out in collaboration with Al Masaood Automobiles and Etihad Rail Freight.

Industry leaders say the development signals a major step forward in diversifying rail cargo beyond traditional bulk commodities, expanding into high-value shipments such as finished vehicles. It also highlights the growing role of rail in integrated, end-to-end supply chains across the UAE.

Omar Alsebeyi, CEO of Etihad Rail Freight, described the milestone as a clear demonstration of the network’s capabilities. For the automotive sector, the collaboration marks a first-of-its-kind partnership.

Beyond efficiency gains, the shift to rail freight also supports sustainability goals. Rail transport produces significantly lower emissions compared to road freight, aligning with the UAE’s broader environmental ambitions, including the Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

Officials say the milestone reflects the strength of the UAE’s integrated infrastructure ecosystem, where strategic investments and private sector collaboration are driving innovation in logistics and supporting long-term economic growth.