Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has unveiled a new wave of financing and support initiatives for startups and micro, small and medium enterprises across the UAE.
The move comes under the national campaign “The Emirates: Startup Capital of the World,” launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to strengthen the country’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurship.
The initiatives are designed to empower Emirati youth ventures, boost innovation, and accelerate economic diversification. Through its digital platform, EDB 360, entrepreneurs can now open business accounts within minutes, access financing without traditional collateral, and connect directly with ecosystem partners to support their growth.
Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of EDB, said the campaign focuses on breaking barriers that hinder founders from scaling their businesses.
“Founders do not need inspiration, they need access. This campaign is about removing bottlenecks,”
he said, emphasizing EDB’s role in turning the UAE’s entrepreneurial ambition into tangible results.
As part of the rollout, EDB will soon announce AED 500 million in financing solutions through credit guarantees, co-lending, and fintech-led receivables programmes. Beyond financial support, the bank will introduce non-financial enablement programmes for 500 entrepreneurs and provide accelerator access through collaborations with initiatives such as AgriX, MIITE, and MBRIF.
The campaign underscores EDB’s expanding role as both a financier and a catalyst for entrepreneurship, reinforcing the UAE’s long-term vision to become the Startup Capital of the World.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
