National Bank of Fujairah and Numou partner to expand SME financing access across the UAE

Partnership aims to connect UAE SMEs with tailored financing solutions that support growth ambitions

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 18 August 2026: National Bank of Fujairah PJSC (NBF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Numou, a subsidiary of ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, and a UAE-based digital financing marketplace, to explore new ways of connecting SMEs across the UAE with tailored financing opportunities that support their growth and resilience. The collaboration will cover solutions including account opening, guarantees, working capital, invoice financing and trade finance.

The partnership comes as SMEs continue to play a vital role in the UAE economy, accounting for 94% of all businesses operating in the UAE.[1] As these businesses continue to scale, diversify and contribute to national economic growth, access to appropriate and timely financial support remains critical. Through this collaboration, NBF and Numou aim to help SMEs identify financing options that are aligned with their stage of growth, working capital requirements and long-term business ambitions.

Adnan Anwar, Chief Executive Officer of National Bank of Fujairah, said: “At NBF, enabling SMEs and entrepreneurs is central to our role as a trusted banking partner. SMEs are a key driver of economic growth in the UAE, and their financial needs continue to evolve as they expand, enter new markets and respond to changing business conditions. We are creating more pathways for businesses to access capital efficiently by bringing together NBF’s relationship-driven banking expertise with Numou’s innovative digital capabilities. This partnership supports our broader SME strategy and reinforces our commitment to helping businesses grow with confidence and contribute to the UAE’s long-term economic development.”

By bringing together NBF’s relationship-driven banking expertise and Numou’s digital financing marketplace, the partnership will explore opportunities to support SMEs across a range of financing needs, from managing working capital and unlocking value from invoices to accessing trade finance solutions. Together, both organisations aim to create a more connected and accessible financing experience for UAE businesses.

Mohamed Al Binali, General Manager of Numou, said: “This partnership with NBF reflects our shared commitment to supporting SMEs and improving access to financing across the UAE. Through Numou’s digital financing marketplace, we are focused on helping businesses identify and secure financing options that best support their growth objectives. By working with NBF, we look forward to strengthening support for SMEs and contributing to sustainable economic growth.”

As the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a leading hub for entrepreneurship, trade and innovation, NBF and Numou are committed to supporting the businesses driving this progress. Through this collaboration, both organisations aim to empower SMEs with more accessible financing pathways, enabling them to grow, compete and contribute to the country’s diversified and sustainable economic future.

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About National Bank of Fujairah PJSC:

Incorporated in 1982, National Bank of Fujairah PJSC (NBF) is a full services corporate bank with strong corporate and commercial banking, treasury and trade finance expertise as well as an expanding suite of personal banking options and Shari’ah compliant services. Leveraging its deep banking experience and market insight within Fujairah and the UAE, NBF is well-positioned to build lasting relationships with its clients and help them achieve their business goals.

NBF’s key shareholders include the Government of Fujairah and Easa Saleh Al Gurg LLC. Rated Baa1 / Prime-2 for deposits and A3 for counterparty risk assessment by Moody’s and BBB+ / A-2 by Standard & Poor’s, both with a stable outlook, the bank is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange under the symbol “NBF”. It has a branch network of 15 across the UAE.

For further information, please contact:

Strategic Marketing and Communications Department

E-mail: CorpComm@nbf.ae

Telephone: +971 4 507 8351 and +971 4 507 8576

About Numou:

Numou is a subsidiary of ADGM established to improve access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UAE. Through a digital marketplace model, Numou connects businesses with a range of financing providers, including banks, licensed lenders, and government-backed programs, through one streamlined application journey.

Numou’s mission is to simplify the funding process for SMEs by leveraging technology, data, and strategic partnerships to unlock working capital, term financing, and other growth solutions. By helping businesses access the right financing at the right time, Numou supports entrepreneurship, job creation, and the UAE’s broader economic diversification agenda.

For more information, please visit Numou.