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4/20/26, 10:13 AM Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development: Supporting long-term growth of UAE SMEs
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development: Supporting long-term

growth of UAE SMEs
Financing, federal procurement and digital platforms help small businesses to scale

H.E. Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development
Published: Fri 17 Apr 2026, 10:21 AM Last updated: Fri 17 Apr 2026, 10:22 AM
The UAE’s SME sector is growing, but growth without resilience is fragile. In this interview, Khalifa
Fund for Enterprise Development CEO H.E. Mouza Obaid Al Nasri explains how the fund is moving
beyond financing to build businesses that adapt to market shifts, compete globally and sustain long-
term performance.

Access to credit remains a key barrier for SMEs. How have the Fund’s
latest financing programs addressed this challenge, and what further

steps are needed to strengthen SMEs’ resilience in the market?

Access to credit remains a major challenge for SMEs, especially in the early and growth stages where
traditional financing can be limited. The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has
addressed this by offering a wide range of tailored financing solutions designed to meet the needs of
entrepreneurs at different stages. To date, KFED has financed over 1,200 projects, with more than
AED1.8 billion in approved loans, contributing around AED 8 billion to the local economy.

A key strength of KFED’s approach is linking finance with a broader support ecosystem. Through
initiatives like MZN Hub Accelerators, entrepreneurs can access funding alongside mentorship,
business development programs, and connections to investors and partners.

To further strengthen SME resilience, it is essential to increase Emirati participation in
entrepreneurship by creating stronger incentives within the private sector. Expanding access to

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