Rethinking SME Finance in the UAE

For many small and medium-sized businesses in Dubai, managing expenses is still more manual than it should be. Reconciling receipts, tracking team spending, and managing cash flow often take up valuable time that could be spent on growth. A new partnership between Dubai Chambers and Qashio is looking to ease some of that pressure.

The collaboration brings together the institutional reach of Dubai Chambers and the fintech capabilities of Qashio, a UAE-based spend management and embedded finance platform. The goal is straightforward: give SMEs better access to digital financial tools and more flexible financing options.

Under the agreement, members of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce will be able to access instantly issued digital corporate cards, along with automated expense management systems. In practical terms, this means business owners and finance teams can see spending in real time, set controls for employees, and reduce the back-and-forth that usually comes with manual reconciliation.

Cash flow, one of the biggest concerns for smaller businesses, is also part of the focus. Qashio’s platform offers structured payment cycles and embedded financing options designed to help companies manage working capital more efficiently. As SMEs look for alternatives to traditional banking processes, such tools are increasingly becoming part of everyday operations rather than optional add-ons.

The timing aligns with broader national goals. The Ministry of Economy projects that more than one million SMEs will be operating in the UAE by 2030. With that level of growth expected, improving financial infrastructure for smaller businesses is likely to remain a priority.

Armin Moradi, Founder and CEO of Qashio, noted that Dubai Chambers plays a central role in supporting the SME community. Through the partnership, he said, the focus is on providing practical, technology-driven tools that improve financial visibility and control while supporting sustainable scaling.

Beyond the technology itself, the two organisations also plan to run workshops and awareness programmes. These will cover topics such as financial automation, responsible credit usage, and digital adoption. Tailored onboarding incentives are also expected to encourage SMEs to move towards more modern spend management systems.

For many business owners, digital finance is no longer about innovation for its own sake. It is about reducing friction, improving transparency, and making day-to-day operations smoother. This partnership reflects that shift — a move towards systems that are designed to fit the pace and realities of SME life in Dubai.