UAE Central Bank support package delivers AED 6.2bn in relief to 65,379 beneficiaries
UAE Central Bank support package provided AED 6.2bn to 65,379 beneficiaries, offering payment deferrals, fee suspensions and credit to priority sectors.
The UAE Central Bank announced today the full results of its proactive support package designed to strengthen the resilience of financial institutions and ease pressure on affected borrowers. The disclosure shows that a total of AED 6.2 billion in facilities was mobilised under the package, which included measures such as loan payment deferrals, reduced interest terms and fee waivers. The central bank said the initiative has already reached tens of thousands of individuals and businesses and remains available to eligible entities.
Beneficiary totals and breakdown
A total of 65,379 beneficiaries took advantage of the support measures, the central bank reported, with individuals making up the largest group. Of the total, 60,559 were individual customers, 4,335 were small and medium-sized enterprises, and 485 were classified as large companies. The central bank emphasised that the distribution reflects its intent to support both household borrowers and firms across the economy.
Sectoral focus and company counts
The central bank identified priority sectors that received targeted relief under the package to address areas most affected by recent disruptions. The hospitality sector accounted for 173 corporate beneficiaries, transport firms numbered 361 and the entertainment sector included 134 companies. Officials said these counts guide continued monitoring and tailored credit support for sectors that remain sensitive to demand and operational shocks.
Support measures and borrower protections
Under the scheme, affected borrowers were eligible to defer principal repayments for up to six months without being recorded as in default, the central bank said. Lenders were also instructed to suspend the accrual or charging of interest and fees on impacted facilities, while continuing to provide new credit where warranted. The package therefore combined short-term relief with ongoing access to financing to help firms preserve liquidity and manage cash flow.
Banking sector performance and resilience
The central bank reported that the wider banking sector continued to grow during the support period, reinforcing its view that the system remains robust. Between March 1, 2026 and May 1, 2026, banking assets rose by 2.1 percent, loans increased by 3.2 percent and deposits grew by 1.9 percent. The central bank also noted a monetary base coverage ratio of 115.3 percent, a metric it cited as evidence of an ample liquidity buffer.
Eligibility criteria and how to apply
Eligibility for the support package covers establishments demonstrably affected by economic disruptions, with priority given to sectors such as hospitality and transport. The central bank confirmed that eligible entities include large firms, SMEs and individual borrowers, and there is no minimum loan size required to access the relief measures. Affected businesses and individuals were urged to continue liaising directly with their banks to request assistance and confirm documentation.
The central bank framed the package as a temporary, targeted intervention intended to preserve financial stability while supporting recovery across priority sectors. Regulators said banks will continue to apply the available measures as needed and maintain communication channels so that new applicants can seek help quickly.
The results underline the central bank’s dual focus on market stability and borrower support, combining prudential oversight with operational relief to vulnerable sectors. As the economic environment evolves, the central bank signalled it will monitor outcomes and adjust the approach to ensure credit flow and financial system resilience remain aligned with national priorities.
