One in seven small and medium-sized businesses in the UAE now accept cryptocurrency as payment, while 10% use stablecoins to pay business expenses, highlighting the growing use of digital assets in everyday business transactions.
The figures come from Mastercard’s latest Dreamonomics report, which surveyed SMEs across 18 markets and examined how small businesses are using technology, digital payments and financial tools.
UAE SMEs embrace crypto
According to the report, 14% of UAE SMEs accept cryptocurrency payments, compared with 10% that use stablecoins for business expenses.
The findings point to an increasing role for digital assets in the UAE’s SME sector, alongside conventional payment methods.
The report comes as businesses continue to adopt digital financial tools to manage payments, expenses and other day-to-day operations.
AI security demand rises
Artificial intelligence is also attracting strong interest among UAE SMEs.
Around 48% of businesses surveyed said they are interested in AI-powered fraud and security protection from their financial provider, compared with 41% globally.
At the same time, 67% of UAE SMEs said they are excited about the potential of AI for their businesses.
The findings suggest that SMEs are looking at AI not only for productivity but also for managing financial and security risks.
Businesses focus on growth
The survey also found differences between UAE SMEs and their global counterparts when it comes to growth and financial stability.
Globally, 68% of SMEs said they prioritize predictability over fast growth. In the UAE, the figure was lower at 57%.
Similarly, 47% of UAE SMEs said they avoid risks to keep their finances predictable, compared with 54% globally.
The integration of business technology is another priority for UAE SMEs.
Nearly 72% said it is critical for their business tools to be connected and work effectively together.
Customer relationships remain important, with 55% of UAE SMEs saying they would prefer to build deeper customer relationships even if that meant reaching fewer customers, compared with 61% globally.
Digital payments support SME growth
The latest findings build on Mastercard’s UAE SME Confidence Index released in August.
That research found that 83% of business decision-makers in the UAE consider digital and online payments important to helping their businesses grow faster and operate more efficiently.
Mastercard said its research reflects growing demand among SMEs for financial and technology solutions that combine digital payments, security and business tools.
Digital solutions
Mark Elliott, division president for East Arabia at Mastercard, said the research showed strong interest among UAE SMEs in using emerging technologies for business growth.
He pointed to cryptocurrency, stablecoins and AI-powered security as examples of technologies being explored by businesses.
Gina Petersen Skyrme, senior vice president and country manager for the UAE and Oman at Mastercard, said UAE SMEs are adopting new payment methods while also looking for stronger fraud protection.
Earlier in 2026, Mastercard launched Built Small. Moving Strong., a regional programme aimed at helping SMEs respond to rising costs, supply-chain challenges and changing economic conditions.
The initiative combines financial tools and digital support as part of Mastercard’s wider goal of bringing 500 million people and small businesses onto pathways to financial health by 2030.
The Dreamonomics report is based on research across 18 markets and examines how SMEs view growth, technology, payments, security and changing business conditions.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
