Emirates NBD (ENDB) delivered a record financial performance in SME banking in 2024 financial year, reinforcing its position as a key enabler of business growth in the UAE.
With an 11% revenue increase from the SME segment, the bank’s performance reflects its deep commitment to entrepreneurship, economic diversification and digital innovation.
ENBD provided more than Dh3 billion ($0.82 billion) in incremental SME lending to support working capital, operating expenses and expansion needs across key business sectors. Lending volumes rose significantly, while the bank managed to open 13,000+ new business accounts. One in four SMEs in the UAE now chooses Emirates NBD as their primary bank, it says.
The bank distinguishes itself by offering solution packages catering for the entire business segment – from Connect package, designed for startups and microenterprises, to Emirates NBD Business Banking VIP Privilege Program, delivering premium business, service and lifestyle benefits to top-tier customers. Beyond connectivity and lending, ENBD made efforts to support SME businesses to access the bank’s trade offering via smartTRADE digital platform, by lowering entry barriers and reducing fees.
Digitisation continues to underpin ENBD’s SME strategy. In 2024, approximately 80% of Emirate NBD’s SME accounts were opened digitally, supported by the bank’s end-to-end digital customer onboarding journey. Streamlined processes led to a significant improvement in due diligence turnaround times. Integration with government platforms such as Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Sharjah Publishing City and Meydan Free Zone enabled automated licence verification, reducing onboarding friction and paperwork.
The bank introduced 49 new services on businessONLINE platform, many of these being delivered to clients instantly
ENBD remained committed to understanding SME needs and tailored solutions for this segment. To provide easy access to remittances, between November 2024 and February 2025 the bank ran a Zero-Fee FX campaign, offering 24/7 free international remittances with real-time tracking. Committed to the development of the broader ecosystem and to support UAE SMEs to expand internationally, ENBD partners with the Dubai government to run the Dubai International Growth Initiative.
Customer experience remained a key focus. The hybrid banking model gave SMEs access through mobile, online and physical channels, supported by dedicated business banking centres in the UAE, KSA and Egypt. The bank introduced 49 new services on businessONLINE platform, many of these being delivered to clients instantly. Introduction of the digital payment tracker was also welcomed by SME clients, offering them real-time visibility into payment flows.
Client service remains a key priority for ENDB, with the bank offering a dedicated call-centre number for SMEs and internal helpdesks for coverage relationship managers, ensuring access to all required information to service their clients.
By combining strong sector expertise with technological innovation, the bank has created a compelling proposition positioning itself as the clear leader for SMEs across the Middle East region.
