Emirates NBD slashes fees to support SMEs

Emirates NBD announced a Business Support Package aimed at easing the cost burden for small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) across the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Fee waivers and discounts target everyday banking

The package rolls out temporary waivers on several routine charges. Loan deferment fees will be eliminated, and businesses will no longer pay international courier fees for card deliveries. Cheque return fees are also removed when cash‑flow interruptions make the transaction unavoidable.

Operational costs receive a similar cut. Companies can withdraw cash from ATMs in the UAE and GCC without fees, and debit‑card replacement charges are waived. For firms that rely on letters of credit or guarantees, Emirates NBD offers a 30 percent discount, a move that could lower expenses for import‑export traders and suppliers.

In addition, the institution formalised a 40 percent discount on its Cash Management services, turning an introductory offer into a standing benefit. The reduction applies to tools that help SMEs manage liquidity, reconcile payments and oversee transaction flows.

Bank officials explain the rationale

Hamad Mohamed Zayed, Group Head of Business Banking, said the initiative reflects the bank’s effort to give SMEs more flexibility amid heightened operational pressures and liquidity concerns. He noted that the aim is to sustain sector growth while ensuring day‑to‑day operations remain affordable.

From its perspective, the package is part of a broader strategy to preserve stability within the regional financial system. By trimming fees that can add up quietly, Emirates NBD hopes to keep cash‑flow constraints from turning into larger solvency issues for smaller firms.

These measures arrive alongside a wider set of government actions. The Dubai Government recently approved an AED 1 billion economic support plan to lessen business pressures, and the Central Bank of the UAE introduced a Financial Institution Resilience Package to bolster the banking sector’s capacity to weather regional conditions.

For many owners, routine banking fees—though modest in isolation—can erode margins when revenue streams tighten. Removing such costs may free up capital for inventory, staffing or modest expansion, offering a practical cushion rather than a long‑term solution.

What the relief means on the ground

Small business operators often juggle multiple financial obligations, from payroll to supplier payments. By cutting fees on cash withdrawals and trade documents, the bank reduces the transactional friction that can delay payments or force firms to seek higher‑cost financing.

In practice, an importer that typically pays for a letter of credit could see a 30 percent reduction in related expenses, allowing more funds to remain in working capital. Similarly, a retailer that frequently replaces debit cards will no longer incur replacement fees, a small saving that adds up over a fiscal year.

These adjustments do not eliminate all challenges, but they provide a modest buffer that can help SMEs maintain continuity while broader economic conditions evolve.

SMEs welcome the relief.