GoDaddy Survey: Tech & Security Drive Emirati Small Business Success

GoDaddy’s 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Survey sheds light on how small businesses are adjusting to the increasing digital demands. The survey highlights the crucial role of digital tools in driving small business growth, alongside a growing emphasis on enhancing cybersecurity measures. These steps are seen as essential for businesses aiming to remain competitive and sustainable in the long term.

Technology Driving Business Growth

The survey findings emphasize how technology is becoming a key enabler of growth for small businesses. An overwhelming 99% of Emirati entrepreneurs agree that digitization provides a significant competitive edge.

Moreover, 99% of respondents mentioned that digitization has notably improved their work processes, while 98% stated that integrating both online and offline sales is vital for business success. These figures underscore the widespread adoption of digital solutions to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations.

Digital Tools Boosting Operational Efficiency

The adoption of digital tools is becoming a fundamental part of day-to-day business operations. Emirati entrepreneurs have particularly embraced email notifications (96%), customer service platforms (93%), and digital invoicing (91%) as key tools for interacting with customers and managing their business activities.

Additionally, 59% of small business owners in the UAE have implemented customer relationship management (CRM) systems to track and manage customer interactions. This growing use of CRM systems presents a significant opportunity for small businesses to deepen their customer engagement.

Investing in the Future: A Shift Toward Digital Expansion

Looking to the future, small business owners are preparing to increase their digital investments. In 2024, 94% of Emirati entrepreneurs plan to boost their spending on online sales and marketing, a clear indication of the growing reliance on digital platforms for business growth and expansion.

Selina Bieber, Vice President for International Markets at GoDaddy, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting small businesses in this digital transformation. “GoDaddy continues to champion small businesses, offering the digital tools and expert resources needed to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and succeed online,” she said.

Cybersecurity: Strengthening Protections for Small Businesses

As digital adoption grows, so does the need for enhanced cybersecurity. The survey revealed that 89% of Emirati small business owners believe they are adequately prepared for potential cyberattacks. Preventative actions, such as installing antivirus software (70%) and regular data backups (55%), are commonly implemented.

Despite this, there are still gaps in digital security. While 45% of entrepreneurs have implemented firewalls and 29% use encryption software, further steps could help businesses bolster their cybersecurity defences and protect against evolving threats.

Final Thoughts

The GoDaddy survey highlights the growing confidence of Emirati small business owners in adopting digital solutions to improve operational efficiency and customer interactions. As small businesses continue to embrace digitalization, GoDaddy remains a key partner in providing the necessary tools, resources, and support to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape and maintain a competitive edge.