The survey indicates that SMEs surveyed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are using digital payments, while a potential gap remains in connecting those payments with day-to-day business management. According to Visa’s new Pay and Get Paid 2026  report, 96% of surveyed SMEs in the UAE reported actively accepting and making digital payments, indicating that digital payments are widely used among the surveyed businesses. However, only 39% of surveyed SMEs reported using integrated solutions that connect payments with broader business management.

The report identifies financial administration and disconnected tools as sources of friction for surveyed SMEs, with surveyed SMEs citing challenges in tracking outstanding invoices (30%), keeping payroll records organized (29%), and preparing financial reports (28%). These responses suggest a disconnect between payments and the operational tasks that follow, with some surveyed businesses reporting that they juggle multiple systems to keep their operations running.

The survey indicates interest in a more connected approach among surveyed SMEs. According to the report, 82% of surveyed SMEs find an all-in-one payment and business solution appealing. However, only 39% of surveyed SMEs reported currently using an integrated payment and business platform.

The report points to several perception barriers that may be slowing adoption among surveyed SMEs. Surveyed businesses cited concerns that an integrated platform may be too expensive (17%), that their business may be too small to need it (12%), or that they are unaware such tools exist (11%). These findings suggest that interest among surveyed SMEs may depend in part on whether integrated tools are seen as relevant, accessible, and scalable for businesses at different stages of growth.

The reported experience of surveyed SMEs already using integrated solutions provides some evidence of perceived value. The report found that surveyed UAE businesses using an integrated tool or platform reported a 91% satisfaction rate, with 85% reporting efficiency gains, including reductions in the time and effort required to manage their businesses.

Beyond reported efficiency gains, the report suggests that integrated platforms could provide financial institutions with additional payments and business-management data from surveyed businesses, which may assist with understanding cash-flow patterns and risk assessment. Any potential financing applications would remain subject to applicable requirements and individual circumstances.

Mario Makary, Vice President and Country Manager for the UAE at Visa, said, “The survey suggests that, for surveyed SMEs, the value of digital payments may extend beyond the transaction itself. For issuers, this may point to an opportunity: integrated platforms may help provide a more complete, data-informed view of surveyed SMEs’ needs, which could inform consideration of tailored support and, where appropriate, financing solutions, subject to applicable requirements and individual circumstances. At Visa, we’re focused on helping financial institutions explore more connected, data-informed platforms for their SME clients.”

The findings also point to opportunities across the financial services ecosystem to support SMEs as their businesses and financial needs evolve. Sharing a perspective from the banking sector, Hamad Mohamed Zayed, Group Head of Business Banking at Emirates NBD, said: “Visa’s new study highlights the progress SMEs in the UAE have made in adopting digital payments, while also underscoring the opportunity to make everyday business tasks simpler. Reducing the time spent on administrative tasks can help business owners not only focus more on customers but also strengthen their operations and plan for growth. SMEs continue to form a vital part of the UAE’s economy, contributing to innovation, opportunity and long-term growth. As they continue to grow and evolve, they need practical support that meets their changing needs and helps them achieve their ambitions.”