Since early March 2026, the UAE has adopted an integrated and proactive approach to managing economic priorities amid ongoing shifts. Moreover, this model has relied on alignment between government, monetary and regulatory policies and private sector actions, alongside an active role played by financial centres and capital markets.
This advanced coordination framework has strengthened domestic market stability, contained the effects of geopolitical tensions and reinforced investor confidence. However, the response came as global markets and supply chains faced mounting pressure, requiring swift and multi-track intervention.
Central bank measures support financial stability
The Central Bank led efforts to reinforce financial stability through a comprehensive proactive support package. Additionally, the initiative aimed to strengthen the resilience of financial institutions and safeguard the stability of the banking sector under exceptional regional and global conditions.
The package rested on five core pillars, enabling banks to access liquidity and providing greater flexibility in using surplus liquidity and capital reserves. Moreover, it included enhanced access to reserve balances by up to 30% of mandatory reserve requirements. It also provided deferred liquidity facilities in dirhams and US dollars.
Additionally, the package reduced liquidity and funding requirements, lowered capital buffer requirements, and allowed banks flexibility to defer debt classification for individuals and companies. As a result, affected banking clients received temporary relief.
In this context, the UAE Banks Federation said these measures strengthened banks’ resilience and flexibility. Furthermore, it noted that the steps supported continued growth and reinforced the stability of the banking sector.
Government coordination and supply chain safeguards
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism coordinated with multiple entities to monitor market conditions and strengthen engagement with the private sector. Moreover, efforts focused on supply chain continuity and price stability.
Local government entities also activated field-level plans. Additionally, these included accelerating customs procedures, strengthening market oversight and ensuring uninterrupted flows of goods.
The Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority reaffirmed its ongoing role in maintaining market stability and ensuring goods and services remained available at fair prices. As a result, it issued a circular requiring establishments to supply essential goods in sufficient quantities and avoid unjustified price increases.
Abu Dhabi Customs also continued coordination with strategic partners and relevant authorities. Moreover, it worked to support operational sustainability and ensure smooth cargo movement across customs ports.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office, in cooperation with SevenX, announced the launch of Adheed, the UAE’s observatory to support supply chains and facilitate trade in Abu Dhabi and across the country. Additionally, the initiative was coordinated with the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Customs, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council.
In Dubai, facilities totalling AED1 billion were approved across key sectors. Therefore, the move reflected a rapid response to shifting market conditions.
Rashed Ali Al Ansari, Group Chief Executive Officer of Al Ansari Financial Group, said: “this qualitative initiative reflects a proactive leadership vision that places private sector empowerment and competitiveness at the core of its priorities, noting that its significance lies not only in its scale but also in the speed and precision of its implementation.”
Various entities also intensified measures to ensure business continuity. Moreover, Dubai’s Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation met global shipping companies and freight associations to support supply chain stability.
Dubai South launched a flexible package of facilities for SMEs. Additionally, it included rent stabilisation upon lease renewal, greater flexibility for payment deferrals, and exemptions from selected administrative fees.
The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority also introduced flexible economic facilities. As a result, companies operating across its three free zones received relief from operational burdens.
Financial centres and private sector reinforce resilience
At the financial centre level, Abu Dhabi Global Market and Dubai International Financial Centre continued to attract global companies seeking regional expansion. Moreover, Abu Dhabi Global Market announced office openings by Muzinich & Co. and Hillhouse Investment.
Dubai International Financial Centre enhanced its operating environment by streamlining procedures. Additionally, it introduced a temporary relief package with immediate effect to ease short-term operational and financial pressures on businesses and retailers.
In parallel, the Dubai Financial Services Authority launched temporary regulatory facilities. Therefore, new firms seeking licensing and existing regulated entities gained additional support.
Dubai International Financial Centre also welcomed Atradius, a global trade credit insurance and risk management company. Moreover, the move supported its Middle East growth strategy.
Chambers of commerce and industry played a stronger role in supporting the business community. Additionally, Dubai Chambers held several meetings with private sector representatives to address operational challenges and propose practical solutions.
In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry intensified coordination meetings. Furthermore, it organised the Traders Meet Decision Makers Forum at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre with broad participation from senior government and private sector leaders.
Meanwhile, the private sector demonstrated operational flexibility and reaffirmed its role as a key partner in managing developments. Moreover, Emirates NBD launched a support package for SMEs to manage costs and cash flows.
Several banks also introduced dedicated initiatives. Additionally, these included Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s Sanadna initiative to support frontline personnel through financial facilities and exclusive banking benefits, and Dubai Islamic Bank’s initiative in recognition of frontline heroes.
