UAE officials and institutions are stepping up coordinated measures to mitigate cost pressures and support SMEs amid ongoing global fuel volatility and regional developments affecting supply chains and economic activity despite the announced ceasefire.
Government Efforts
The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure highlighted that authorities have established a mechanism aimed at minimising supply chain and fuel price rises for SMEs and consumers.
In a interview with Aletihad, Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, revealed that the UAE has increased the capacity of ports in the Eastern region twenty-fold since the beginning of the crisis, with further expansion ongoing. Minister Al Mazrouei also reassured consumers that they would not be “exploited in any way.”
To protect consumers, the UAE is working to ensure that cost increases are not disproportionately passed on.
The Minister noted that goods are influenced by various cost components before reaching the domestic market. As part of the response, authorities are collaborating with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism to enhance transparency surrounding shipping and logistics costs, which aims to deter traders and carriers from inflating prices unnecessarily.
UAE Bank Measures
Banks are rolling out additional relief measures to assist businesses in managing operational pressures. Emirates NBD introduced a Business Support Package earlier this week for SMEs, including a temporary fee waivers and reduced charges to help improve cash flow and day-to-day operations.
This programme provides discounts on trade finance and cash management services, designed to ease working capital constraints as companies navigate higher logistics costs and changing payment cycles.
This initiative aligns with broader economic support measures currently underway, such as the Dh 1B initiative approved by the Dubai Government, alongside the Dh 1T Financial Institution Resilience Package launched by the Central Bank of the UAE, underscoring the commitment to stabilising the economy during challenging times.
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