Mastercard Finds 14% of UAE SMEs Accept Cryptocurrency Payments

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE are among the world’s most active users of digital assets for business payments. Mastercard ’s new Dreamonomics report, which surveyed 18 markets around the world, found that 1 in 7 UAE SMEs (14%) accept cryptocurrency as payment, while 10% are already paying business expenses in stablecoins. Interest in AI-powered fraud and security protection is also high.

The Mastercard research shows that while 68% of SMEs globally prioritize predictability over fast growth, only 57% of SMEs in the UAE say the same, indicating a greater growth mindset even in the absence of stability. When it comes to customers, 55% (compared to 61% globally) would prefer building deep relationships with customers even if their reach is more limited.

“The findings reveal a highly ambitious SME community in the UAE, one that is embracing innovation as a practical tool for growth today. From the adoption of digital assets and stablecoins to strong interest in AI-powered security solutions, entrepreneurs are increasingly looking for technologies that can help them operate more efficiently, pursue new opportunities and compete more effectively. What stands out is that this appetite for innovation comes with a clear expectation for trust, security and seamless integration. As businesses navigate an increasingly digital economy, they want financial and technology partners who can make emerging technologies work simply and reliably in everyday commerce.”

– Mark Elliott, Division President, East Arabia, Mastercard

Key insights for the UAE from the Dreamonomics report

•  Digital assets are operationally active. 1 in 7 UAE SMEs (14%) accept cryptocurrency as payment, while 10% are already paying business expenses in stablecoins. Last year, Mastercard deepened longstanding partnerships to enable the acquiring ecosystem in EEMEA to settle transactions in stablecoins for the first time. It cemented Mastercard’s role in connecting blockchain-native crypto assets with traditional fiat commerce infrastructure.
•  AI that protects the business. Nearly half of UAE SMEs (48%) are interested in AI-powered fraud and security protection from their financial provider, well ahead of the 41% global average.
• Optimism about AI. Two-thirds of UAE SMEs (67%) are excited about the possibilities of AI for their business.
• A strong appetite for growth. Some 57% of UAE SMEs prioritize predictability over fast growth, compared with 68% globally. This places UAE entrepreneurs among the most growth-focused in the study.
• Readiness to back new opportunities. Fewer than half (47%) say they avoid risks to keep their finances predictable, compared with 54% globally.
• Tools that work together. Nearly three-quarters (72%) say it is critical that their business tools are connected and work well together.

Earlier this year, in response to Middle East instability, Mastercard launched Built Small. Moving Strong. a regional resilience and support program to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigate rising costs, supply chain issues, and economic changes. It has galvanized a coordinated, ecosystem-led approach that combines financial tools and digital enablement to help SMEs maintain continuity while strengthening long-term resilience. The platform also supports Mastercard’s commitment to bring 500 million people and small businesses onto their pathways to financial health by 2030.

The Dreamonomics results build on the UAE edition of the Mastercard SME Confidence Index released in August, in which 83% of business decision-makers said digital and online payments are important to helping their business grow faster and more efficiently.

“The UAE’s innovative landscape makes it a great place for businesses to grow, and it’s exciting to see that SMEs in the UAE are actively embracing new ways to manage payments while seeking smarter, AI-powered fraud protection. That balance of ambition and vigilance is a strong foundation for growth.”

– Gina Petersen Skyrme, Senior Vice President and Country Manager, UAE and Oman, Mastercard

As small businesses prepare for what growth may demand next, Mastercard brings the connected system of insights, tools and solutions to help SMEs power every payment, protect every step and propel every dream.