Emirates Islamic wins ‘Best Islamic Bank for SMEs’ at MEA Finance Awards 2025

Dubai, UAE, 16 December 2025: Emirates Islamic, one of the leading Islamic financial institutions in the UAE, has been named 'Best Islamic Bank for SMEs' at the prestigious MEA Finance Awards 2025. The recognition underscores the bank’s leadership in empowering the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector through innovative Shariah-compliant financial solutions and exceptional service.

The award highlights Emirates Islamic’s strong value proposition for SMEs, recognising its excellence in service quality, customer experience, digital capabilities and tailored Islamic products. The bank actively serves more than 45,000 SMEs, with one in 15 SMEs served by Emirates Islamic’s business banking segment, demonstrating its significant role in supporting the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In line with its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of SMEs, the bank continues to enhance its offerings. In May this year, Emirates Islamic launched Business Banking Diamond account, an elevated and bespoke proposition designed to provide a tailored banking experience for the sophisticated financial needs of established and high-value SMEs. This was further complemented by major digital innovations, strategic collaborations and increased use of advanced analytics to better understand SME behaviours, personalise solutions and proactively support business growth. These enhancements reinforce the bank's leadership in delivering Shariah-compliant banking solutions for SMEs.

Mohammad Kamran Wajid, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Islamic, said: “This award reflects our unwavering commitment to understanding and meeting the evolving needs of SME clients while supporting the broader SME ecosystem, a vital driver of economic growth in the UAE. Through comprehensive digital services and personalised relationship management, we provide accessible, efficient and Shariah-compliant financial solutions that empower entrepreneurs and foster sustainable business growth."

Mohamed Al Hadi, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates Islamic, said: “Being named 'Best Islamic Bank for SMEs' is a testament to our efforts to support SMEs at every stage of their journey. Through smart digital solutions, data-driven insights and Shariah-compliant offerings, we aim to equip SMEs with the tools and confidence needed to navigate today’s dynamic and competitive business environment.”

The MEA Finance Industry Awards 2025 recognise financial institutions, technology solutions providers, FinTechs, service providers, and individuals for their exceptional achievements, groundbreaking services, and inspirational leadership in delivering innovative products and services of the highest value to their clients and customers across all walks of society.