Dubai entrepreneurs gain new expense-management initiative with Mastercard and Bimo
Dubai entrepreneurs can get over AED10k in first-year benefits from a new Mastercard and Bimo initiative to cut costs, boost cash flow and save more time.
Partnership launched to support startups and SMEs
Maqarr, Dubai’s entrepreneurs hub, announced a strategic collaboration with Mastercard and the expense-management platform Bimo to roll out a targeted financial support programme for startup founders and small and medium-sized enterprises. The initiative is designed to lower operating costs, strengthen cash-flow management and streamline back-office processes for eligible businesses. Organisers say the programme combines technology, card-based incentives and partner offers to deliver immediate operational benefits.
First-year package delivers more than AED10,000 in value
Eligible business owners will be able to access a package of benefits valued at more than AED10,000 during the first year, organisers said. The offer includes a full year of free access to Bimo’s expense-management platform and up to 2% cashback on foreign-exchange transactions and advertising spend when using Mastercard business cards. Additional exclusive deals and perks from participating partners are also part of the package to amplify savings in the critical early stages of growth.
Monthly savings and time efficiencies quantified
The programme is expected to unlock previously unseen cost recoveries of between AED500 and AED1,200 per month for participating firms, according to the organisers. Automation of expense workflows is estimated to save more than 60 administrative hours each month for many businesses. In some cases, the streamlined processes can cut the time required to complete month-end accounting from nine days down to three, improving financial visibility and decision-making speed.
Officials link scheme to Dubai’s economic agenda
Hadi Badri, chief executive of the Dubai Development Foundation — the economic arm of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism — said the programme delivers practical value by reducing costs and boosting financial controls. He emphasised that clearer visibility of spending helps founders focus on core priorities such as business growth and market expansion. Badri also noted the initiative aligns with Dubai’s D33 economic agenda by reinforcing a resilient and growth-oriented startup ecosystem.
Industry leaders underscore practical benefits for founders
Saeed Al Qerqawi, vice-president of Dubai Chamber for the digital economy, described the partnership as an example of how strategic alliances can put the right tools and partners in front of entrepreneurs at the right time. He said the collaboration addresses operational pain points by improving cost-efficiency and financial transparency for startups and SMEs. Al Qerqawi added that increased operational efficiency will strengthen the foundations for sustainable growth from Dubai into global markets.
Mastercard highlights long-term regional commitment
Mark Elliott, regional president for Eastern MENA at Mastercard, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes across the region. He pointed to decades of cooperation with governments, banks and fintech firms to help build a modern and resilient commercial infrastructure in Dubai. Elliott framed the new initiative as part of Mastercard’s broader effort to ensure small businesses can access the payments tools and financial incentives needed to scale.
Enrollment details and partner roles
Maqarr and its partners said eligible founders and SME operators can benefit from the combined suite of services and incentives, with Mastercard providing card-linked rewards and Bimo supplying the expense-management technology. The initiative is positioned to reduce manual reconciliation, enhance spend controls and make budgeting more precise for high-growth enterprises. Maqarr will work with partners to provide further details on eligibility criteria and the enrolment process in the coming weeks.
Dubai’s startup community stands to gain from a coordinated package that targets both hard cost savings and softer productivity gains. The blend of cashback, software access and administrative automation aims to reduce friction for founders managing limited resources while they scale.
The initiative reflects a broader push by public and private stakeholders in Dubai to create a supportive operating environment for entrepreneurs, using strategic partnerships to convert policy goals into tangible, near-term business outcomes.