Emirates NBD fee relief for SMEs explained: Waivers, discounts and benefits
Measures align with UAE economic stability initiatives
DUBAI – Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, has introduced a Business Support Package aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) manage costs and sustain cash flow in the coming months.
The initiative brings together a series of temporary fee waivers and pricing reductions designed to ease operational pressures. It comes at a time when businesses are navigating evolving regional conditions and tighter liquidity cycles.
The package reflects wider efforts across the UAE to support the private sector and maintain economic stability. SMEs, which form a significant part of the country’s business landscape, are expected to benefit from immediate cost savings and improved flexibility in managing day-to-day financial commitments.
Key waivers
At the core of the package are multiple fee waivers targeting routine banking expenses. Emirates NBD has removed loan deferment fees, allowing businesses to restructure repayments without incurring additional charges during periods of financial strain.
The bank has also waived international courier charges for business card deliveries, along with cheque return fees in cases linked to unforeseen cash flow interruptions. These measures are intended to reduce penalties and incidental costs that can accumulate during periods of constrained liquidity.
In addition, cash withdrawal fees at ATMs across the UAE and the wider GCC have been waived, offering easier access to funds without added expense. Businesses will also benefit from the removal of debit card replacement fees, further reducing administrative costs.
Cost discounts
Beyond waivers, the package introduces targeted discounts aimed at lowering transaction and trade-related expenses. Emirates NBD is offering a 30 per cent reduction on charges for letters of credit and letters of guarantee, key instruments used in trade finance and contractual obligations.
A broader pricing adjustment has also been applied to Cash Management services, with a 40 per cent discount now in place. This effectively standardises earlier introductory pricing, enabling businesses to manage collections, payments and liquidity at a lower cost.
These combined measures are expected to provide immediate financial relief, particularly for SMEs engaged in trade, services and high-volume transaction activities.
Hamad Mohamed Zayed, Group Head of Business Banking at Emirates NBD, stated that the initiative underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs during a period where financial flexibility is critical. He highlighted that the package is designed to ease operational challenges, address liquidity pressures and reinforce confidence within the business community.
The bank also confirmed that its services remain fully operational, with a continued focus on seamless and secure banking, ensuring that businesses can access support without disruption.
Economic backdrop
The launch of the Business Support Package aligns with broader policy measures introduced across the UAE to strengthen economic resilience. The Dubai Government has approved Dh1 billion in economic facilitation measures aimed at enhancing business flexibility and responsiveness to current conditions.
At the same time, the Central Bank of the UAE has introduced a Financial Institution Resilience Package to reinforce the stability of the banking sector. These initiatives collectively support the continuity of business activity and underline the UAE’s focus on maintaining a competitive and resilient economic environment.