Page 38 - ETIHAD CREDIT INSURANCE PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

6/30/25, 7:55 AM Etihad Credit Insurance announces AED 174 million funding for SME growth in partnership with four leading banks - Eye of Riyadh

Futoon Hamdan AlMazrouei, Group Head of Personal, Business, Wealth and Privileged Client Banking Group at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), said:
“First Abu Dhabi Bank is pleased to be a banking partner of “ECI’s Xport Xponential programme”, an initiative that reflects the UAE’s strategic
vision for economic diversification and sustainable growth. We are 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 exemplifies ECI’s role in driving sustainable economic growth by connecting businesses
with international opportunities and tailored trade finance solutions.

Since the programme’s inception, ECI’s partnerships with government entities and banks have increased by 27 per cent, reflecting its role in
nurturing a robust export-enablement ecosystem that connects the public and private sectors under a unified vision. Partnerships with leading
financial institutions have helped facilitate consistent, reliable support and access to growth-oriented funding for UAE SMEs. ECI also hosted a
workshop in January 2025 to offer the selected companies’ essential tools and resources, further supporting their export growth journey. In
addition, these companies belong to diverse economic sectors, showcasing the program’s wide-reaching impact across key industries.

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