Page 211 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT JUNE 2025

6/30/25, 9:09 AM Etihad Credit Insurance announces AED 174 million funding raised for SME growth in partnership with four leading banks - Middle …
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.

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