96% of UAE SMEs use digital payments, but only 39% integrate them with business tools

Digital payments are widely used among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) surveyed in the UAE, but fewer businesses are using integrated platforms that connect payments with everyday business management, according to Visa’s Pay and Get Paid 2026 report.

The survey found that 96% of respondents actively accept and make digital payments, while only 39% use integrated solutions that combine payments with broader business-management tools.

Administrative tasks remain a challenge for some surveyed businesses, with 30% citing difficulties tracking outstanding invoices, 29% reporting challenges organising payroll records and 28% struggling to prepare financial reports. The findings point to a gap between adopting digital payments and integrating them into wider business operations.

Interest in more connected tools appears strong, with 82% of surveyed SMEs saying an all-in-one payment and business solution appeals to them. However, concerns about cost (17%), whether the tools are necessary for smaller businesses (12%) and a lack of awareness (11%) may be limiting adoption.

Among surveyed UAE SMEs already using integrated solutions, 91% reported satisfaction, while 85% said the tools had improved efficiency by reducing the time and effort required to manage their businesses.

The report also highlights the potential for integrated platforms to provide financial institutions with a broader view of SMEs’ payment activity and business operations, thereby informing cash-flow analysis and risk assessment. Any financing decisions would remain subject to applicable requirements and individual circumstances.

Mario Makary, Visa’s vice president and country manager for the UAE, said the survey suggests that the value of digital payments may extend beyond the transaction itself.

“For issuers, this may point to an opportunity: integrated platforms may help provide a more complete, data-informed view of surveyed SMEs’ needs, which could inform consideration of tailored support and, where appropriate, financing solutions,” he said.

Hamad Mohamed Zayed, group head of business banking at Emirates NBD, said simplifying administrative tasks could help SMEs focus on customers, strengthen their operations and plan for growth. He added that businesses need practical support that reflects their changing needs as they expand.