UAE scores 96.4 for SME financial support, tops global index
Country ranks first in 42-market assessment for financial system backing of small and medium enterprises, rises to 21st overall.
The UAE scored 96.4 for financial system support to small and medium-sized enterprises in the 2026 Global Financial Inclusion Index, the highest score among 42 markets assessed. Principal Financial Group and the Centre for Economics and Business Research released the index on 10 November 2026. The country's overall ranking rose one place to 21st, with a total score of 54.8, up from 52.7 in 2025.
Financial system pillar advances to 22nd#
The UAE's financial system pillar moved up two places to 22nd in the index. The country also ranked fourth globally for how well its financial system supports business confidence, with both the SME support and business confidence measures improving from the previous year. Global perceptions of financial systems' role in SME growth and business confidence declined over the same period. The index draws on public data and surveys measuring access to transactions, payments, savings, credit and insurance.
Government support score rises 1.4 points#
The UAE's government support score increased 1.4 points in 2026, though its rank held at 19th among the 42 markets. The government pillar evaluates public policy, regulation and the ability of government institutions to promote access to financial tools, education and services. The country's financial system pillar had advanced five positions to 24th in 2025 after its score increased 3.9 points that year.
Employer support ranks seventh at 68.5#
The UAE ranked seventh globally for employer support with a score of 68.5, against a global average of 65.7. The country ranked fourth for financial guidance and support provided by employers, fifth for pay initiatives and ninth for insurance plans. The UAE dropped one place in this pillar. Worldwide, employer support declined for a second consecutive year, falling 2.9 points, with declines recorded in 83 percent of markets.
Consumer perceptions rank fifth globally#
The UAE ranked fifth globally for how supportive the population finds the financial system, placing it among the top five markets for overall perceptions of financial inclusion. Globally, consumer perceptions of financial inclusion reached their lowest point on record. Overall global financial inclusion reached a record 52 out of 100 in 2026, with the financial system support score rising 4.4 points to 55.3.
Sources2 sources across 2 domains
- gulfnews.comGulf NewsUAE scores 96.4 for SME financial support, ranks first globally, rises to 21st overall with score of 54.8
- economymiddleeast.comEconomy Middle EastIndex released 10 November 2026, UAE ranked 22nd in 2025 with score of 52.7, government support pillar details
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