UAE Small Businesses Boost Digital Tools & Security, Says GoDaddy

GoDaddy’s 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Survey reveals the increasing importance of digital tools and cybersecurity for small businesses in the UAE. As Emirati entrepreneurs adapt to the digital landscape, 99% report that digitization is a key competitive advantage, with 99% also noting significant improvements in their work processes. The survey highlights the growing role of technology in enabling small businesses to compete and grow, with 98% of respondents recognizing the importance of combining online and offline sales for business success.

Emirati entrepreneurs are integrating digital solutions into everyday operations to enhance customer interaction and improve efficiency. Popular tools include email notifications (96%), customer service tools (93%), and digital invoicing (91%). Furthermore, 59% of small business owners are using customer relationship management (CRM) systems to track and manage customer interactions, reflecting a growing trend in improving customer engagement.

Looking forward, small business owners are preparing to invest more in digital solutions. In 2024, 94% of Emirati entrepreneurs plan to increase their investment in online sales and marketing, indicating a strong push to leverage digital channels for business growth. GoDaddy continues to support small businesses with a robust suite of digital tools and expert guidance to help entrepreneurs build websites, attract customers, and sell their products or services.

As small businesses adopt digital solutions, cybersecurity awareness has also increased. The survey found that 89% of small business owners feel they are prepared to face cyberattacks, with common preventative measures including antivirus software (70%) and regular data backups (55%). Despite these efforts, 18% of entrepreneurs who experienced a cyberattack reported significant impacts on their businesses. However, additional cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls (45%) and encryption software (29%), are still underutilized, highlighting an opportunity for further protection of digital assets.

GoDaddy’s 2024 survey shows that Emirati entrepreneurs are confident in adopting digital solutions to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations. With its wide range of digital resources, GoDaddy is empowering small businesses to grow and remain competitive in the digital age.