AI-Powered Digital Financing Initiative by UAE Companies Could Benefit Over 30,000 Merchants in Its Initial Rollout.
Dubai: Micro and small businesses across the UAE can now access financing starting from Dh10,000 to support everyday operations, employee salaries and expansion plans, following the launch of a new digital lending service by Botim on Tuesday.
The newly introduced Botim Business SME Lending platform provides loans ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh500,000, with flexible repayment periods of up to 12 months.
Businesses can use the financing to manage working capital, cover payroll expenses, purchase equipment or invest in growth opportunities.
Digital Lending Initiative to Reach Over 30,000 UAE Merchants
The financing service has been introduced in partnership with fintech and payment solutions provider Geidea, which will make the offering available to eligible businesses within its UAE merchant network.
Supported by Geidea, Botim and their wider network of partners, the initial rollout is expected to reach more than 30,000 merchants across the country.
The initiative primarily targets micro and small enterprises, including limited liability companies (LLCs) and sole proprietorships, offering an alternative financing option for businesses seeking faster access to capital.
AI-Powered Assessment Designed to Simplify Business Loans
The digital lending platform uses artificial intelligence-based technology to evaluate financing applications and assess business risk.
According to the companies, the system considers transaction records, cash flow patterns and credit behaviour to determine eligibility and suitable financing amounts.
The required information is collected during the onboarding process or, where available, through participating business ecosystem partners.
By analysing these financial indicators, the platform aims to accelerate eligibility assessments and offer financing that better matches each company’s operating requirements and cash flow cycle.
Supporting Small Businesses Across the UAE
Small and medium-sized enterprises play a major role in the UAE economy, accounting for approximately 94 per cent of businesses and contributing more than 60 per cent of the country’s non-oil GDP.
Despite their economic importance, many smaller companies continue to face difficulties securing working capital because of strict lending requirements and lengthy application procedures, according to the announcement.
The new financing initiative seeks to address these challenges by providing a more accessible digital lending process tailored to the needs of smaller enterprises.
Botim Highlights Need for Accessible Business Financing
Dr Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO of Botim, said micro enterprises represent approximately 70 per cent of SMEs in the UAE, with many business owners seeking formal financing for the first time.
He explained that the initiative is designed around the practical needs of smaller businesses, reducing unnecessary complications and helping entrepreneurs obtain funding to support their operations and future growth.
Bin Hendi also highlighted the UAE’s ambition to reach one million SMEs by 2030, noting that Botim aims to contribute to this objective through technology-driven financial solutions.
Geidea Partnership to Connect Payments and Financing
Pankaj Kundra, CEO of Geidea UAE, said the collaboration would provide merchants with a more integrated and efficient experience by combining payment services with business financing.
He explained that bringing these services together would help businesses obtain the financial resources needed to invest in operations, expand their activities and pursue new commercial opportunities.
The partnership is intended to make access to funding more convenient for eligible merchants while supporting the continued development of the UAE’s small business sector.
