Page 199 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT JUNE 2025

6/30/25, 9:06 AM Etihad Credit Insurance raises Dh174 million for SME growth | Khaleej Times
connect. Al Mazrouei further stated that the programme identifies high-potential export markets for a wide range of products,
allowing small businesses to expand globally with greater ease and confidence.
She added: “ECI’s ‘Xport Xponential’ programme aligns with the UAE’s strategic vision to diversify its revenue sources away
from oil. It offers integrated financial and insurance solutions, particularly to SMEs, enabling them to scale internationally, while
mitigating major export-related risks.”

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.”

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 Dh174 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.”

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.

Xport Xponential’s vast partner list features 19 key strategic partners, including both federal and local entities, which are: the
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Dubai Department of Economy
and Tourism, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ajman Department of Economic
Development, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zones, as well as Fujairah Department of Industry and Economy. Its financial and
banking partners include Emirates Development Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Commercial Bank
of Dubai, Ajman Bank, RAKBANK, National Bank of Fujairah, International Development Bank, Wio Bank, Al Maryah
Community Bank and Reem Finance. It is also worth noting that since its inception, ECI has insured Dh21 billion in support of
local exports and completed underwriting for premiums totalling Dh447 million.

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