UAE Dh6.2bn support package explained: Who qualifies for loan relief and fee waivers
Hospitality and transport sectors among key beneficiaries
ABU DHABI – The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has announced the latest outcomes of its proactive support package designed to strengthen the resilience of financial institutions while easing pressure on affected businesses and individuals across the country.
According to the central bank, the total value of facilities provided under the package has reached Dh6.2 billion, covering loan deferments, interest relief measures and fee waivers. The initiative has so far benefited 65,379 customers, including 60,559 individuals, 4,335 small and medium-sized enterprises, and 485 corporates.
تواصل حزمة الدعم الاستباقية التي أطلقها #مصرف_الإمارات_المركزي في 17 مارس الماضي تحقيقَ تحول نوعي ملموس في القطاع المالي، حيث تجاوز عدد المستفيدين 65 ألف مستفيد، وبلغ إجمالي قيمة الدعم أكثر من 6.2 مليار درهم. ويدعم هذا الإنجاز سيولةَ القطاع، ويسهم في استدامة النشاط الاقتصادي… pic.twitter.com/acnGvsWMdq
— Central Bank of the UAE (@centralbankuae) May 8, 2026
The announcement also highlighted continued growth in the UAE banking sector between March 1 and May 1, 2026. During the period, banking assets rose by 2.1 per cent, loans increased by 3.2 percent and deposits climbed by 1.9 percent. The monetary base cover ratio stood at 115.3 percent.
Key relief
The support package allows affected establishments to defer repayment instalments for up to six months without the facilities being classified as defaults. The CBUAE also confirmed that banks may suspend interest charges and fees linked to affected facilities during the specified period.
The package further enables the continuation of credit financing for priority sectors considered vital to economic activity. Affected establishments can continue coordinating directly with banks to access available relief measures and financing support.
Among the sectors receiving priority treatment are hospitality, transport and entertainment. The hospitality sector accounted for 173 beneficiary companies, while 361 transport firms and 134 entertainment companies also received support under the programme.
Who qualifies
The CBUAE said eligibility extends to businesses and individuals impacted by economic disruptions. Corporates, SMEs and individual customers are all eligible to apply for support measures under the package.
Importantly, the central bank clarified that there is no minimum loan size requirement for accessing the relief programme, widening access to smaller businesses and borrowers seeking temporary financial flexibility.