Today The National launches free advertising for small businesses as part of a wider campaign to support the lifeblood of the UAE economy.
Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for about 60 per cent of the UAE's non-oil economy and 90 per cent of total businesses.
Yet bank lending to SMEs accounts for for just 4 per cent of the total, according to Dun & Bradstreet research.
SMEs are expected to account for 70 per cent of the country’s non-oil GDP by 2021, according to the Ministry of Economy.
Cultivating a healthy and supportive environment for entrepreneurship is vital if the country is to achieve its economic goals
In the weeks ahead we will be highlighting the vital role small businesses play in the country’s progress towards greater economic diversification.
We will also be throwing light on the challenges they face and how they can be overcome.
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Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
