UAE SMEs have several financing options beyond equity investment — including government-backed loans, commercial bank SME facilities, and alternative finance. Here is a complete 2025 guide.
UAE Government SME Finance
Mohammed Bin Rashid Fund for SMEs (Dubai): Loan amount: AED 50,000–3,000,000. Interest rate: subsidised below-market rate (approximately 4–6% p.a.). Eligibility: UAE-registered business, operational for 1+ year, Dubai SME classification. Application: via dubaisme.ae. Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (Abu Dhabi): Loan amount: AED 50,000–3,000,000 for startups; up to AED 10,000,000 for growth companies. Eligibility: UAE nationals or UAE residents with Abu Dhabi businesses. Below-market interest rates. Noor Capital (Abu Dhabi): Venture financing and SME growth capital for Abu Dhabi-based companies. Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) — Abu Dhabi: For manufacturing companies: equipment financing at subsidised rates.
Commercial Bank SME Lending
Major UAE banks with dedicated SME lending: Emirates NBD Business Banking: SME loans from AED 250,000, 12–60 months. Mashreq Business Banking: Business loans from AED 100,000. Unsecured for companies with 2+ year track record. WIO Bank: Digital SME finance. Pre-approved credit for WIO Business Account holders based on account turnover. Commercial Bank International (CBI): More flexible for mid-market companies than major banks. Typical bank SME loan criteria: minimum 2 years in business, audited or reviewed financials, AED 1,000,000+ annual revenue, existing bank account with the lending bank.