Photo Credit: Master Card
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE are emerging as some of the most active adopters of digital assets for business payments, according to new research from Mastercard.
The findings, published in Mastercard’s latest Dreamonomics report covering 18 global markets, show that 14% of UAE SMEs accept cryptocurrency payments, equivalent to one in seven businesses surveyed. Meanwhile, 10% are already using stablecoins to pay business expenses.
The research also points to strong interest in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly for protecting businesses against fraud and other security threats.
UAE SMEs show stronger appetite for growth
Mastercard’s research suggests UAE SMEs have a stronger growth orientation than their global counterparts. While 68% of SMEs worldwide prioritize predictability over rapid growth, the figure falls to 57% among UAE businesses.
Risk appetite also appears relatively higher in the UAE. About 47% of UAE SMEs said they avoid risks to maintain financial predictability, compared with 54% globally.
Customer relationships remain important, although UAE businesses appear somewhat more open to expanding their reach. Some 55% said they would rather build deeper customer relationships even if that meant reaching fewer customers, compared with 61% globally.
Mark Elliott, division president, East Arabia at Mastercard, said the findings reflect an ambitious SME sector that is increasingly using technology as a practical tool for business growth.
“From the adoption of digital assets and stablecoins to strong interest in AI-powered security solutions, entrepreneurs are increasingly looking for technologies that can help them operate more efficiently, pursue new opportunities and compete more effectively,” Elliott said.
He added that businesses are also looking for technology that combines innovation with trust, security and easy integration into everyday operations.
AI adoption and security remain priorities
The report found that 67% of UAE SMEs are excited about the potential of AI for their businesses, highlighting strong interest in the technology beyond experimentation.
Security is another major priority. Nearly 48% of UAE SMEs expressed interest in AI-powered fraud and security protection from their financial providers, exceeding the global average of 41%.
At the same time, businesses are seeking more connected technology ecosystems. Around 72% of UAE SMEs said it is critical for their business tools to be connected and work effectively together.
The research also highlights the growing role of digital assets in business operations. Mastercard said it has strengthened partnerships across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa to enable its acquiring ecosystem to settle transactions using stablecoins, helping connect blockchain-based assets with traditional payment infrastructure.
Mastercard expands SME support in the region
The Dreamonomics findings come after Mastercard launched its Built Small. Moving Strong. initiative earlier in 2026 in response to economic and operational challenges affecting SMEs across the Middle East.
The regional program is designed to help small businesses deal with rising costs, supply chain disruptions and changing economic conditions through financial tools and digital solutions.
The initiative also supports Mastercard’s broader goal of bringing 500 million people and small businesses onto pathways to financial health by 2030.
The latest findings build on Mastercard’s UAE SME Confidence Index released in August. That research found that 83% of UAE business decision-makers consider digital and online payments important for helping their companies grow faster and operate more efficiently.
Gina Petersen Skyrme, senior vice president and country manager for UAE and Oman at Mastercard, said UAE SMEs are combining an appetite for innovation with greater attention to security.
“The UAE’s innovative landscape makes it a great place for businesses to grow,” she said, adding that SMEs are embracing new payment methods while looking for smarter AI-based fraud protection.
Overall, Mastercard’s latest research points to a UAE SME sector increasingly focused on digital payments, artificial intelligence and connected business tools as companies seek new opportunities for growth while maintaining security and operational resilience.
