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7/2/25, 4:36 PM Etihad Credit Insurance and Banking Partners Raise AED 174 Million to Boost SME Growth in UAE

Business

Jun 26, 2025 202 20

Etihad Credit Insurance And Banking Partners Raise AED 174

Million To Boost SME Growth In UAE

Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE’s federal export credit company, announced the successful conclusion of its ‘Xport Xponential’
programme, securing AED 174 million in working capital to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their global expansion
efforts. The announcement was made during the programme’s closing ceremony, held under the patronage of H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri,
UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of ECI’s Board of Directors.

The funding was raised in collaboration with four key banking partners—First Abu Dhabi Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Ajman Bank, and
Al Maryah Community Bank—underscoring the UAE’s commitment to fostering a future-ready, diversified economy led by a vibrant SME
sector.

A Vision For Economic Diversification

The ‘Xport Xponential’ initiative aligns with the objectives of the UAE’s “We the UAE 2031” national strategy, which aims to grow non-oil
exports to AED 800 billion and expand foreign trade to AED 4 trillion over the next decade. Speaking at the event, H.E. Bin Touq emphasized
the programme’s role in enhancing the contribution of SMEs to the national economy and facilitating stronger international trade ties,
particularly with countries under Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA), where trade volumes have already surpassed
AED 390.5 billion.
Empowering Global-Ready SMEs

H.E. Raja Al Mazrouei, CEO of ECI, highlighted the importance of the programme in equipping UAE-based SMEs with the financial tools and
strategic direction needed to access high-potential international markets. “‘Xport Xponential’ acts as a bridge connecting local businesses with
global opportunities,” she said, adding that the programme supports revenue diversification through integrated financial and credit insurance
services tailored to mitigate export-related risks.

Since its launch during the third edition of Make It in the Emirates in May 2024, the programme has attracted 42 applicants, of which 10 were
shortlisted based on robust evaluation criteria. These companies, which have already generated AED 2.1 billion in combined turnover, are
targeting expansion into key markets including Indonesia, India, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, with a collective export potential of AED 31.3 billion

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