Innovation in Small and Medium Enterprises in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

This article focuses on innovation as the main driver of the competitiveness and market success of small and medium enterprises in the United Arab Emirates. The study overviews the still limited literature dedicated to innovation in SMEs in the UAE. It also analyzes the innovation model of small and medium enterprises in the UAE, and focuses particularly on Dubai’s SMEs. The article highlights the need to strengthen the entrepreneurial culture and promote the development of innovative SMEs with high value added in the UAE.

The general purpose of this study is to contribute to the business and innovation literature on SMEs in the context of an emerging economy, namely the United Arab Emirates.