Investigating The Impact of Emirati Entrepreneurial Innovation Strategies by SMEs Within Abu Dhabi’s Business Landscape

Abstract

This research investigates the innovative spirit of Emirati entrepreneurs and the factors that contribute to the success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE, with a specific focus on Al Ain. Special attention is given to Al Ain in this research, which considers Emiratis innovative spirit and SMEs success factors within the context of UAE. This research will focus on how SMEs owned by Emiratis face the challenges related to culture, law, and economic conditions and stimulating innovation to close the gap in business growth. Thematic analysis of the 10 interviews highlighted several key themes: the key drivers of innovation, including leadership and entrepreneurial passion; the crucial role of government support; and regulatory and operational issues to be overcome. The results showed that successful Emirati entrepreneurs align strategies with the needs of the local market, invest in continuous learning, and apply strong leadership to set their businesses apart in competitive markets. This research also proved that the initiatives taken by the government, such as the Khalifa Fund, have been very crucial in offering financial and logistical support to SMEs so that they could focus on innovation and expansion. This will provide practical insights into how entrepreneurial innovation can contribute to the economic diversification of the UAE. Valuable recommendations are derived for entrepreneurs and policymakers on the critical role SMEs can play in advancing UAE's Vision 2021 for sustainable growth and development.

Date of Award	18 Dec 2024
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Malik Mansoor Ali Khalfan (Supervisor)