UAE Tops Global Index for SME Financial Support
The UAE has secured the top spot in the 2026 Global Financial Inclusion Index for supporting SME growth through digital innovation and policy.
The United Arab Emirates has secured the top spot globally for its SME financial support, according to the 2026 Global Financial Inclusion Index. The report highlights how the nation's financial ecosystem is leading the way in fostering the success and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Published on November 10, 2026, by the Principal Financial Group in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), the index awarded the UAE a score of 96.4 in the SME support category. While the country claimed the number one position for SME-specific financial assistance, it ranked 21st globally in the overall financial inclusion index, which evaluated 42 international markets.
Key Drivers of SME Growth
The index pointed to several critical factors that have enabled the UAE to outperform other global markets in supporting smaller businesses. These include:
- Digital financial infrastructure: Advanced systems that facilitate easier access to capital and transactions.
- Government-backed credit guarantees: Policy measures designed to mitigate risk and encourage lending to smaller firms.
- Digital licensing: Streamlined, tech-driven processes for business registration.
- Reduced administrative burdens: Efforts to cut through bureaucracy and simplify operations for entrepreneurs.
A Robust Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs
Charles Brooke, Senior Managing Director at Principal Asset Management, noted that the top ranking underscores the robustness of the UAE's financial ecosystem. He attributed this success to strategic digital rollouts and visible policy interventions at both the government and financial system levels, which are providing tangible benefits to residents and expatriate entrepreneurs.
Regional Strength in the Middle East
The Middle East is showing significant momentum in financial inclusion. Saudi Arabia also demonstrated a strong performance, securing the second position globally for its financial system as an enabler of SME growth with a score of 95.2.
Furthermore, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are positioned within the global top five regarding overall perceptions of financial inclusion. This positioning signals a highly favorable environment for business development and investment across the region.