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More breathing room for UAE’s SMEs

Major Emirati players, from banks to industrial giants, are introducing new programs designed to give SMEs some breathing room during the war. Emirates NBD launched a new business support package, waiving and reducing charges for a range of services, like deferred loans and international courier deliveries, letters of credit and guarantees, and banknote management. Dubai South also rolled out a rent relief package to help businesses steady at its Business Park, offering incentives for contract renewals, ranging from rent-free periods and deferred payments to waived penalties, in addition to a freeze on lease rates for eligible tenants.

These two relief programs are only the latest among several aimed at keeping smaller businesses afloat. Just last week, Dubai-based spend platform Qashio rolled out a AED 10 mn support program with Dubai Chambers, while authorities moved in late March with an AED 1 bn package to cushion private-sector strain linked to the regional conflict.

Tourism is also in focus in the UAE, with a dedicated support package in the pipeline, Economy and Tourism Minister Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri told Dubai Eye in a podcast. He added that the sector has remained supported through the recent disruption, including assistance for more than 10k tourists, ensuring accommodation, meals, and safe return. The AED 1 bn Dubai package also included measures specific to the sector.

Expanding footprint

GKSD, part of top Italian hospitals group Gruppo San Donato, is moving into Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Managing Director Masroor Haq said. In the Kingdom, it has partnered with a private firm to build an integrated hospital and smart clinics, with investments topping USD 200 mn. The company is targeting advanced healthcare services, including diagnostics, AI, robotic surgery, and specialized treatments.