Dubai, UAE — WE Global Network recently hosted a closed-door edition of WE Boardroom, a members-only initiative designed to create meaningful dialogue between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporate decision-makers operating in the UAE market.

The session brought together a curated group of women-led SMEs for an open, boardroom-style discussion with Ahmad Raffat, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain at ARM Holding, who joined the conversation to share professional perspectives on procurement practices, supplier readiness, and corporate engagement frameworks in the region.

Unlike traditional seminars or training sessions, WE Boardroom is intentionally structured as a two-way conversation, allowing members to raise real operational challenges and ask practical questions based on their lived business experiences.

Addressing Real-World SME Challenges

Throughout the session, participants explored some of the most pressing challenges SMEs face when engaging with larger organisations in the UAE.

Key discussion topics included how SMEs can compete on pricing without compromising business sustainability, how smaller businesses can position value beyond cost, and how financial requirements such as bank guarantees impact cash flow and growth planning.

Intellectual property protection also emerged as a significant concern, particularly when SMEs are asked to submit concepts, designs, or proposals during early stages of engagement. The discussion highlighted the importance of awareness, clarity, and safeguards when navigating such situations.

Demystifying Procurement and Corporate Processes

Members sought greater clarity on how procurement functions operate within large organisations, including vendor registration processes, pre-qualification frameworks, and common readiness gaps faced by SMEs.

Rather than focusing on specific corporate policies, the conversation remained centred on general UAE market practices, helping participants understand how procurement teams typically assess suppliers and what SMEs can do to better prepare themselves for long-term corporate engagement.

Interestingly, the dialogue also extended inward, with members reflecting on how procurement principles can be applied within their own businesses — from vendor selection to internal process design.

Global Sourcing and Supply Chain Considerations

Reflecting the global nature of UAE-based businesses, the WE Boardroom discussion also covered logistics and international sourcing. Members raised questions around procuring products from overseas markets, including how to evaluate vendors, manage logistics expectations, and mitigate risk when sourcing internationally.

Member Voices from the Boardroom

Participants shared positive feedback following the session, highlighting the value of the discussion-based format and the relevance of the topics addressed.

Radha Devi Vasudevan, Founder, Artara, shared:

“The choice of the guest speaker was excellent, and the discussions were both informative and valuable. Sessions like these offer meaningful insights and real clarity for SMEs navigating corporate environments.”

Rikaza Shakeer, Founder, The Houze of Treasures, added:

“It was an excellent session. I left feeling more confident and informed. Conversations like these create real opportunities for SME founders to understand and engage with corporate processes more strategically.”

A Platform for Constructive Dialogue

By design, WE Boardroom avoids pitching and transactional conversations. Instead, it provides a trusted environment where SMEs and corporate leaders can exchange perspectives openly and constructively.

The session underscored the importance of dialogue in bridging understanding — enabling SMEs to position themselves more effectively while giving corporate leaders insight into the operational realities of smaller businesses.

Continuing the Conversation

WE Boardroom forms part of WE Global Network’s broader mission to support women-led businesses through access, insight, and opportunity. By facilitating conversations that bridge corporate and SME ecosystems, the initiative contributes to a more inclusive and informed business landscape in the UAE.

Future editions of WE Boardroom will continue to bring together SMEs and corporate leaders for focused, closed-door discussions centred on real-world challenges and collaborative growth.

About WE Boardroom

WE Boardroom is a private, members-only initiative by WE Global Network, designed to connect women-led SMEs with corporate leaders through curated, boardroom-style discussions. Sessions are intentionally limited in size to encourage meaningful dialogue and strategic exchange.