Zoho, a global technology company, has partnered with the UAE Food Cluster to accelerate the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country’s food manufacturing and trading sectors. The strategic collaboration aims to enhance competitiveness, compliance, and operational efficiency across the UAE’s growing food ecosystem.
Leveraging Zoho’s enterprise-grade, AI-powered cloud technologies, the initiative will provide SMEs with scalable and affordable digital tools previously accessible only to large corporations. The programme focuses on digitising finance, supply chain, HR, and analytics functions, supporting smarter decision-making and improved performance management.
Under the agreement, more than 300 food SMEs will be digitised within two years, with 100 companies expected to onboard in the first phase. Participating businesses will gain access to integrated modules for accounting, inventory, human resources, and data analytics — all designed to enhance traceability, compliance, and efficiency in line with UAE corporate tax and VAT regulations.
Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food Cluster, highlighted that SMEs are the backbone of the nation’s food economy. “This partnership with Zoho will help us create a unified, digitally empowered sector capable of competing on efficiency and compliance. By embedding digital capabilities in SME operations, we aim to advance food security, sustainability, and economic diversification,” he said during the Global Food Week (GFW) MoU signing.
Prem Anand Velumani, Associate Director of Strategic Alliances at Zoho MEA, said: “Zoho is proud to support the UAE’s vision for a resilient, innovation-driven food economy. Our enterprise and AI-powered technologies will help SMEs achieve faster digital maturity and stronger operational performance.”
Beyond technology deployment, the collaboration includes a shared implementation framework to reduce digitalization costs, facilitate knowledge transfer, and ensure long-term adoption. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader push for technology-enabled competitiveness and sustainable food systems.
