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How UAE SMEs Can Compete on a Global Scale with the Right Financial Tools

Smart financing is the key to global success.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the UAE economy—and many are ready to go global. But entering international markets comes with new challenges: buyer risk, cash flow gaps, and limited access to secure financing.

With the right financial tools, UAE SMEs can compete globally, manage risk, and unlock new trade opportunities. Here's how Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) helps SMEs grow beyond borders with confidence.

1. Protect Your Receivables with Trade Credit Insurance

Exporting on open account terms can be risky—especially with new or unfamiliar buyers. ECI’s trade credit insurance covers up to 90% of the invoice amount in case of:

✔ Buyer default

✔ Political risk

✔ Prolonged payment delays

The result: You protect your cash flow and trade securely, even in high-risk markets.

2. Improve Access to Financing

Many SMEs struggle to get the funding they need to fulfill large export orders. With ECI’s coverage in place, banks are more confident to lend against insured receivables—helping SMEs unlock working capital through:

✔ Invoice discounting

✔ Supply chain finance

✔ Factoring solutions

Bonus: ECI’s AA- Fitch rating gives banks added confidence.

3. Make Informed Decisions with Credit Insights

ECI provides access to a global database of over 400 million buyers—giving SMEs valuable insights into:

✔ Buyer creditworthiness

✔ Payment behavior

✔ Market risk trends

This helps SMEs choose reliable partners and reduce the risk of non-payment.

4. Build Buyer Trust & Offer Better Terms

With credit insurance, SMEs can confidently offer competitive payment terms—like 30, 60, or 90 days—without increasing risk exposure. This builds trust with new customers and can lead to higher-value, repeat orders.

✔ Offer flexible payment terms with confidence

✔ Improve buyer relationships and retention

✔ Increase competitiveness in global markets

5. Expand Globally, Strategically

Whether targeting new markets in Asia, Africa, or Europe, SMEs can rely on ECI for tailored support in:

✔ Political risk insurance

✔ Buyer and market risk analysis

✔ Payment security for high-value deals

Bottom line: The right financial tools allow SMEs to compete not just locally—but globally.

Conclusion

Global competition is no longer just for big businesses. With smart financial tools and risk protection from ECI, UAE SMEs can expand securely, finance growth, and compete at a global level.

👉 Explore our solutions for SMEs and take your business further.