Page 240 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

7/2/25, 4:36 PM Etihad Credit Insurance Announces AED 174 Million SME Funding with 4 Leading Banks - Business Today Middle East
facilitating investment and talent attraction.
Bin Touq stated: “The ‘Xport Xponential’ programme plays a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s ongoing
efforts to increase the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises to the country’s non-oil GDP. It
also directly supports the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ national strategy, which aims to increase
non-oil exports to AED 800 billion and expand foreign trade volume to AED 4 trillion by the next decade.

Moreover, with export and re-export activities between the UAE and countries with which we have
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA), already exceeding AED 390.5 billion, the
initiative leverages existing trade momentum to help SMEs unlock the untapped potential of these
markets, particularly as the UAE continues to expand its economic and trade partnerships with key
strategic markets worldwide.”

On her part, Raja Al Mazrouei, CEO of Etihad Credit Insurance, highlighted ECI’s role in empowering
UAE-based businesses to compete on a global level. She stated that ‘Xport Xponential’ serves as a
dynamic platform for local businesses and potential importers to 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.”

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.

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