Emirates Development Bank · government-backed SME finance

EDB SME Finance and Credit Guarantee

Decision in 5 working days (EDB 360, subject to eligibility)

Federal development bank programmes: a Credit Guarantee Scheme covering part of the facility through partner banks, plus direct SME lending advertised up to AED 5 million within five working days via EDB 360 — focused on strategic sectors.

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Is EDB SME Finance and Credit Guarantee worth it?

founders outside the UAE: EDB SME Finance and Credit Guarantee onboards fully remotely — no branch visit required.

Eligibility

Eligibility notes: UAE-registered SMEs in strategic sectors — manufacturing, healthcare, advanced technology, renewables, food security; qualifying startups can access up to AED 2 million.
Not suitable for: businesses needing direct lending — EDB issues credit guarantees via partner banks rather than lending to you directly. Companies wanting a quick unsecured working-capital line

Business operations

Approval time: 5 working days (EDB 360, subject to eligibility)
Branch visit: Not required

How onboarding goes

Application: Submit the request through the provider’s channel and upload documents
Compliance review: KYC checks and document verification
Decision: Typical timing: 5 working days (EDB 360, subject to eligibility)
Go live: Access activated and the product is live

Documents you'll typically need

Trade licence and Memorandum of Association
6–12 months of business bank statements
Filed VAT returns and latest financial statements
Invoices or contracts evidencing revenue (for invoice and revenue-based products)

Typical pack for this category — the provider confirms the exact list on application.

Credit Guarantee Scheme reported up to ~50% loan-to-value, tenors to 10 years and up to 6-month grace via partner banks; direct EDB 360 loans up to AED 5M subject to eligibility. Per edb.gov.ae, Oct 2026.