Dubai Chambers has partnered with fintech platform Qashio to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with easier access to digital financial tools and alternative funding solutions, in a move aimed at strengthening the emirate’s rapidly expanding SME ecosystem.
This collaboration will help SMEs access digital corporate cards, automated expense management systems, and embedded finance options to improve cash flow and financial control. The initiative is part of Dubai Chambers’ broader efforts to boost business competitiveness and support the growth of private enterprises, which form the backbone of the UAE economy.
SMEs account for more than 94 per cent of companies operating in the UAE and contribute over half of the country’s non-oil GDP, according to Ministry of Economy estimates. The government expects the number of SMEs in the country to exceed one million by 2030 as entrepreneurship and startup activity accelerate under national economic diversification strategies.
Through the partnership, Qashio will provide Dubai Chamber of Commerce members with instantly issued corporate cards, real-time spending visibility and automated expense reconciliation tools. These solutions are designed to reduce paperwork, improve transparency and help businesses manage finances more efficiently. SMEs will also gain access to structured payment cycles and embedded financing options that can ease working capital pressures and support expansion.
For many SMEs, access to credit and cash-flow management remains a major challenge. Traditional banking processes can be time-consuming and restrictive, particularly for younger companies without extensive credit histories. Digital finance platforms such as Qashio aim to bridge this gap by offering faster approvals, real-time financial insights and flexible spending controls that allow business owners to better manage liquidity.
Armin Moradi, founder and chief executive of Qashio, said the partnership combines Dubai Chambers’ institutional reach with fintech innovation to equip SMEs with practical tools that improve visibility and strengthen financial governance. He noted that simplifying expense management and improving access to capital will help smaller companies scale more sustainably and operate with greater agility.
Dubai Chambers said the collaboration will also include workshops, training sessions and awareness programmes to help SMEs adopt modern financial management practices and responsible credit usage. Tailored onboarding incentives will be introduced to encourage companies to transition from manual accounting and legacy systems to digital spend management platforms.
Analysts say the initiative reflects a wider shift in the UAE towards digital-first financial services for businesses. According to industry data, SME lending in the UAE has historically accounted for less than 10 per cent of total bank lending, significantly below global averages, highlighting a persistent funding gap. Fintech-driven solutions and embedded finance are increasingly seen as key to closing this gap and supporting entrepreneurship.
The UAE government has prioritised SME development as a central pillar of its economic agenda, with initiatives aimed at improving access to funding, reducing regulatory hurdles and promoting digital transformation. Dubai, in particular, has positioned itself as a regional hub for startups and innovation, supported by free zones, accelerator programmes and investor networks.
Analysts said by enabling SMEs to access modern spend management tools and alternative financing options, the Dubai Chambers–Qashio partnership is expected to help smaller businesses improve financial discipline, manage growth more effectively and compete more strongly in regional and global markets. They argue that the initiative also reinforces Dubai’s ambition to build a more inclusive and technology-driven business environment that supports entrepreneurship and long-term economic growth.
