Dubai, UAE, has entered a new era in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector with a pioneering partnership between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and multinational consumer goods corporation, The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G). This landmark collaboration aims to contribute to Dubai’s economic growth by focusing on SME development, talent training, vocational learning, and embracing circular economy and sustainability initiatives.
The DET-P&G partnership was formalised in a ceremony at the P&G Innovation Centre in Dubai, attended by esteemed dignitaries from both entities. This step serves as a model for public-private catalyst initiatives, showcasing Dubai’s approach to collaborations between the government and private sectors.
Omar Channawi, CEO of Procter & Gamble for the Middle East, Pakistan, and Global Entrepreneurial Markets, expressed P&G’s commitment to serving five billion people worldwide with a focused range of products across ten categories. The aim is to strengthen local economies through collaboration with regulators and retailers. He also said that the partnership with DET underscores their dedication to fostering innovation in the UAE, serving customers better, and maintaining an ongoing dialogue. P&G looks forward to advancing efforts with ecosystem partners, pooling resources, technology, and knowledge for an expanding future in the Middle East region.
The partnership will enable capacity building programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the FMCG value chain. Technical toolkits focusing on operational excellence, digital and supply chain transformation, and leadership development will be provided to aid SME growth. DET and P&G will develop talent training programs aimed at enhancing the technical skills of Emiratis employed in, or aspiring for, careers in manufacturing operations, supply chain management, and data analytics. This initiative aims to contribute to the development of a skilled and competitive workforce.
The partners will collaborate with Dubai-based educational institutions to establish a vocational learning curriculum designed to equip talents for careers in the private sector, primarily within FMCG businesses. This initiative aims to bridge the skills gap and provide opportunities for career growth. DET and P&G will jointly promote Dubai’s circular economy and sustainability initiatives within the FMCG sector. This collaboration aligns with the UAE’s and P&G’s global environmental goals. P&G has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 across its operations and supply chain.
By providing SMEs with access to industry-leading knowledge, technical expertise, and mentorship opportunities, the collaboration aims to accelerate industry growth and foster innovation. The focus on talent training and vocational learning will contribute to the development of a skilled workforce, ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of the FMCG sector in Dubai.
RTM Watch’s Take
The partnership between DET and P&G marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s FMCG sector. By leveraging P&G’s global resources and expertise, this collaboration has the potential to drive innovation, enhance operational excellence, and promote sustainable practices within the industry. The focus on SME development and talent training reflects Dubai’s commitment to fostering economic growth and creating a favourable business environment. This partnership serves as a model for future public-private collaborations and exemplifies Dubai’s approach to building a thriving and sustainable economy.
