Khalifa Fund launches seven financing programs to boost UAE startups and SMEs

The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has overhauled its financing ecosystem with the launch of seven integrated lending programs designed to support startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at every stage of their growth, as the UAE intensifies efforts to build a more innovation-led economy.

The updated framework introduces financing options spanning business formation, working capital, expansion, digital transformation, and technology adoption, enabling entrepreneurs to access funding tailored to their business needs and stage of development.

The initiative aligns with the UAE’s Falcon Economy agenda and Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification strategy, reinforcing the fund’s role in supporting Emirati entrepreneurs and strengthening the country’s startup ecosystem.

The revamped financing model follows a comprehensive review of Khalifa Fund’s offerings, including benchmarking against international best practices, analyzing banking and financial sector solutions, and conducting surveys and workshops with entrepreneurs to identify funding gaps and market needs.

“Our goal is to strengthen the UAE economy, diversify its resources, and ensure its readiness for the future,” said Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.

She added that the new financing ecosystem reflects a shift toward more flexible, impact-driven funding that supports enterprises throughout their growth journey while linking financing more closely to economic and social outcomes.

Among the newly introduced products is the First-time Founders Loan, aimed at helping Emiratis establish new ventures with access to early-stage financing. The fund has also launched an AI & Robotics Loan to encourage SMEs to integrate advanced technologies, improve operational efficiency, accelerate digital transformation, and strengthen competitiveness in priority sectors.

A new Revolving Loan offers businesses a reusable line of financing that can be drawn upon as operational needs evolve, providing greater flexibility in managing working capital and cash flow.

The ecosystem is complemented by four additional financing products—the Small Loan, Working Capital Loan, Fixed Assets Loan, and Expansion Loan, each designed with tailored eligibility criteria, repayment terms, and financing limits to address different business requirements, from operational expenses to scaling operations.

KFED said the expanded financing framework is intended to address three strategic priorities: enabling first-time entrepreneurs, accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies, and improving operational liquidity for SMEs.