MSMEs will gain easy access to working capital to grow their businesses to their full potential
Dubai, UAE – CredibleX and Mastercard have announced a strategic collaboration to issue payment cards for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the UAE. By combining Mastercard’s global payments expertise with CredibleX’s seamless SME financing platform, the initiative aims to make working capital more accessible, helping small businesses grow to their full potential.
Licensed under Categories 2, 3, and 4 and regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM), CredibleX specializes in embedded financing solutions for MSMEs. This partnership will introduce an incremental payments mechanism, encouraging greater card adoption and offering businesses the ability to allocate financing for working capital, supplier payments, and operational expenses all through a unified card-based solution.
“Small business is big business! They are the backbone of all economies and in the UAE, they are no different. They are key to inclusive and sustainable economic development. At Mastercard, we strive to equip micro, small and medium size businesses with the tools to succeed in a digital future. Mastercard’s work with CredibleX will connect small businesses to much-needed financing that will help them scale their businesses sustainably,”
said J.K. Khalil, EVP & Division President, East Arabia, Mastercard.
This collaboration reflects both organizations’ shared vision to empower small businesses through advanced digital and financial solutions, driving financial inclusion and digital transformation across the UAE’s thriving SME sector.
“True financial inclusion begins when we look beyond balance sheets and see the real stories behind the numbers. Together with Mastercard, we’re proud to use cards as an easy and seamless way to extend credit access, fueling SME growth and opportunity,”
said Ahmad Malik, Co-Founder & Chief Risk Officer, CredibleX.
The partnership builds upon a growing relationship between the two companies, which began when CredibleX joined the Mastercard Start Path program in 2024. Earlier this year, CredibleX became the first platform in the MENA region to integrate Mastercard’s Small Business Credit Analytics Score, further demonstrating its commitment to responsible credit access and data-driven financial inclusion.
The UAE’s SME sector is a key pillar of its economy – contributing over 63% of non-oil GDP and is expected to reach 1 million SMEs by 2030, fueled by economic diversification and rising private and public investments.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories. Through technology, partnerships, and innovation, Mastercard enables secure, simple, and smart digital payments, helping businesses and governments realize their greatest potential while building a sustainable and inclusive economy where everyone can prosper.
