UAE SMEs Bullish On Growth In 2025, Says Mastercard Study
91 percent of SMEs in the UAE are confident about their business prospects this year, with 90 percent expecting stable or increased revenue compared to last year.
The third edition of the Mastercard SME Confidence Index is stating that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE have started 2025 with a positive outlook, supported by a growing digital economy, government initiatives, and expanding financial solutions.
According to the report, 91 percent of SMEs in the UAE are confident about their business prospects this year, with 90 percent expecting stable or increased revenue compared to last year. Many are planning to expand, with 70 percent seeking credit primarily for growth, as opposed to sustain operations.
Furthermore, the study notes that digital transformation remains a key focus for SMEs, with 83 percent of them working to enhance digital payment options, and 97 percent seeing data and analytics as important for business development. That said, the use of digital payments has grown, with 92 percent of SMEs now accepting them.
Another point worth noting from this year’s Mastercard SME Confidence Index is that more than 80 percent of SMEs see private-sector partnerships as valuable in supporting their businesses. Mastercard, for instance, has been working with financial institutions and fintech firms like Geidea to improve credit access, using digital payment data to help SMEs strengthen their financial standing. It had also partnered with Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in 2024 to launch a business education program focused on digital payments and financial management.
In a statement, Dimitrios Dosis, president of Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Mastercard, highlighted the crucial role of SMEs in economic growth, saying, “Small- and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of economies, driving innovation, employment, and resilience. As digital transformation accelerates, SMEs are unlocking new opportunities through digital payments and financial inclusion. Their ability to adapt and grow in a rapidly evolving business landscape reflects the strength of an ecosystem that prioritizes access to finance, digital enablement, and sustainable growth.”
Similarly, J.K. Khalil, division president for East Arabia at Mastercard, underscored the vital role SMEs play in shaping the UAE’s digital economy, highlighting how their optimism reflects both their resilience and the strong support system enabling their sustainable growth. “As the UAE advances its vision for a thriving digital economy, SMEs play a crucial role in driving innovation and growth,” Khalil said. “Their confidence in the future reflects not only their resilience but also the impact of an ecosystem designed to support their success. At Mastercard, we are committed to empowering SMEs with cutting-edge payment solutions, real-time insights, and strategic partnerships that help them scale sustainably and securely.”
