Several banks in the United Arab Emirates are rolling out targeted financial support measures for customers impacted by ongoing regional uncertainties, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and frontline personnel. The initiatives include loan deferments, flexible payment options, and additional financial incentives designed to ease operational and personal financial pressures.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (Adib) has launched its “Sanadna” programme, offering instalment deferrals, cash flow support, and protective financial solutions. SMEs can defer payments for 30 to 60 days between April and June 2026, allowing them to maintain business operations amid heightened uncertainty. Adib is also providing takaful protection, up to a 50% fee waiver on new point-of-sale (POS) services, and extended grace periods on personal and auto finance.
Frontline personnel—including members of the UAE Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence and Interior, police, civil defence, and emergency medical services—are eligible for up to three months’ deferment on personal and auto finance instalments at no additional cost. Other benefits include a 0.99% rate on Al Yusr Salary Advance Finance, profit-free instalment plans for education expenses, and extended grace periods of up to seven months on personal finance buyouts and six months on auto finance.
The financial relief measures come as some companies experience operational and supply chain disruptions due to regional military tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which have affected sectors such as travel, tourism, and shipping.
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has also introduced a support package for frontline workers, featuring preferential lending rates, cashback incentives, flexible payment plans, and loan deferment options. FAB is offering priority services at 20 branches located near key workplaces, along with fast-tracked support through its contact centres. “Frontline heroes serve our nation with commitment and a deep sense of responsibility every day… We stand beside them, delivering meaningful support that eases everyday pressures and makes a real difference,” said Futoon Hamdan Al Mazrouei, Group Head of Personal, Business, Wealth and Privileged Client Banking at FAB.
Ajman Bank, through its “Talahom” initiative, has waived personal finance instalment deferment fees for up to three months. The bank is also offering 200% cashback on first retail purchases using newly issued digital credit cards, free-for-life cards with no annual fees, and zero processing fees on auto and home finance. Additional benefits include three years of complimentary property takaful, waived donation commitments for delayed home finance instalments, monthly cashback on home finance payments for up to five years, and monthly salary draws, with five winners receiving an additional salary each month. “Frontline personnel are a priority for Ajman Bank… This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting their financial stability and helping them manage obligations with confidence,” said Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank.
These initiatives underscore UAE banks’ proactive approach to shielding businesses and essential workers from the financial ripple effects of regional instability, providing both immediate relief and long-term financial support.