Emirates Development Bank Unveils $136M Boost for UAE Entrepreneurs
Emirates Development Bank committed AED 500M ($136M) in startup financing — including credit guarantees and co-lending — as part of the national startup campaign.
Emirates Development Bank (EDB) unveiled a transformative AED 500 million ($136 million) financing initiative in September 2025, marking a significant milestone in the UAE's journey to become the global startup capital. This comprehensive support package forms a crucial component of the national 'Startup Capital of the World' campaign.
The financing initiative encompasses multiple support mechanisms including credit guarantees designed to reduce risk for early-stage ventures, co-lending programs partnering with commercial banks to amplify available capital, and receivables-based financing facilitated through fintech partners to improve cash flow management for growing startups.
In addition to capital provision, EDB will deliver non-financial enablement programs benefiting 500 entrepreneurs. These include mentorship opportunities, business development workshops, and strategic guidance from industry experts. The bank is also partnering with national accelerator programs such as AgriX, MIITE, and MBRIF to provide startups with comprehensive ecosystem support.
This initiative positions EDB as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth, addressing the critical funding gap faced by early and growth-stage startups in the UAE while strengthening the nation's competitive advantage in attracting global talent and innovation.