Page 15 - ETIHAD CREDIT INSURANCE PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

Press release

strongly aligned with the Ministry of Economy’s mission to foster a flexible, future-ready
economy and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem by enabling investment and attracting top
talent. By empowering SMEs with access to working capital and innovative trade finance
solutions, we are unlocking new opportunities for global growth. The programme strengthens
the UAE’s competitiveness and supports its ambition to expand trade across strategic
international markets.”

On the collaboration, Dr. Bernd van Linder, CEO of Commercial Bank of Dubai, stated:
“Commercial Bank of Dubai is proud to be a foundational partner in ECI’s Xport Xponential
programme. With a legacy of over five decades in backing the growth of the UAE, we continue to
demonstrate our commitment today by empowering the nation’s vibrant SME sector and creating
tangible impact that supports the economic diversification and global competitiveness of the UAE.
We look forward to continuing our work with ECI to unlock even greater opportunities for
businesses across the Emirates, building on the significant momentum already achieved.”

Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, said: “We are proud to be part of the ‘Xport
Xponential’ programme in collaboration with Etihad Credit Insurance, which represents a
significant milestone in empowering SMEs to access new growth frontiers. Our participation
reflects Ajman Bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting the UAE’s national agenda,
particularly Ajman Vision 2030 and We the UAE 2031, by providing Sharia-compliant financing
solutions that enable local businesses to scale internationally. The AED 174 million in funding
collectively raised through this initiative is a powerful testament to the strength of public-private
sector collaboration. We will continue to build on this momentum by enabling innovative trade
finance and expanding our role as a catalyst for sustainable economic development.”

Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Community Bank, commented: “We are
proud to partner with Etihad Credit Insurance on the ‘Xport Xponential’ programme, which
represents a significant milestone in empowering the UAE’s SMEs to access global markets with
confidence. At Al Maryah Community Bank, we are committed to offering fully digital, fast, and
innovative financing solutions that simplify exporters’ daily operations and enhance their
global competitiveness. This initiative not only aligns with the UAE’s vision to diversify its
economy and boost non-oil exports but also opens new opportunities for local businesses in vital
sectors to thrive internationally. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with ECI to
ensure that manufacturers and exporters are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and capital
they need to scale beyond borders.”

The ‘Xport Xponential’ programme was launched to fulfil the dual objectives of catalysing SMEs’
global expansion and driving SME financing with the help of partner banks. It was introduced
during the third edition of ‘Make It in the Emirates’ (MIITE), held in May 2024, with the aim of
accelerating the global expansion of UAE-based SMEs by offering financial support and ensuring
their export readiness through innovative trade finance and credit insurance solutions.

As many as 42 companies applied for the programme, out of which 10 were shortlisted based on
rigorous evaluation criteria. These companies have collectively generated AED 2.1 billion in
turnover to date and are now targeting expansion into four key markets—Indonesia, India, Saudi
Arabia, and Oman—with a combined export potential of AED 31.3 billion over the next four years
across ten vital sectors. Implemented in collaboration with 19 strategic partners, the programme