The new range of funding programs provides companies with flexible repayment periods lasting up to 84 months.
Abu Dhabi has introduced a long-term, interest-free loan initiative ranging from Dh150,000 to Dh3 million for licensed Emirati start-ups in key sectors.
Administered by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, these new funding programs provide start-ups with a flexible repayment period of up to 84 months, including a grace period of up to 24 months.
Abu Dhabi has introduced a series of new funding initiatives categorized as follows:
Start-up Funding Programme:
- Microfinance Loan: Supports micro start-ups with costs up to Dh1 million, covering up to 80% of total business expenses, with a maximum loan limit of Dh500,000.
- Small Loan: Provides financing for new SMEs across various sectors, covering up to 80% of costs ranging from Dh1 million to Dh5 million. Specific caps include Dh2 million for manufacturing businesses and Dh1 million for other priority sectors.
Expansion Loan:
- Supports established SMEs seeking business development and expansion. Offers financing up to 80% of total expansion costs, capped at Dh3 million for manufacturing and Dh2 million for other priority sectors.
Agri-tech Funding Programme:
- Supports adoption of modern agricultural technologies with loans ranging from Dh150,000 to Dh400,000.
- Pack House and Infrastructure Development Fund (PHIDF): Covers up to 90% of costs related to pack house construction and improvement, including facilities like storage, cooling, and refrigerated vehicles, aiming to enhance horticultural product quality and efficiency.
Additionally, Abu Dhabi has launched specialized funding projects to advance modern farming methods:
- Net House Development Fund (NHDF): Provides up to 90% financing for establishing or expanding net houses.
- Water Management System Enhancement Fund (WMSEF): Covers up to 90% of costs for advanced water management technologies, promoting efficient and sustainable water usage.
Alia Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and CEO of Khalifa Fund, highlighted the importance of these tailored funding products in supporting Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030. These initiatives aim to empower innovative entrepreneurs, strengthen key sectors contributing to the GDP, and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for SMEs and innovation.
