MBRIF Guarantee Scheme

MBRIF Guarantee Scheme

Provides United Arab Emirates innovative companies with government-backed guarantees to secure bank financing without dilution.

The MBRIF Guarantee Scheme is a government-backed credit guarantee programme administered by Emirates Development Bank (EDB) on behalf of the UAE Ministry of Finance under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund. The scheme enables UAE-based innovative companies to secure commercial bank financing without diluting equity: the government issues the guarantee, commercial banks perform final credit assessments and disburse the actual loan, and the borrower repays the bank. The guarantee itself is non-dilutive and interest-free; no equity is transferred to any government entity. The scheme aligns with the UAE National Innovation Strategy, prioritising companies in technology, education, renewable energy, water, transport, health, and space.

Eligibility focuses on growth-stage companies with a UAE presence, a proven track record, demonstrated revenue growth, and a viable plan for market launches or expansion. Start-up companies with no operating history are unlikely to meet the due diligence threshold. No published maximum guarantee amount appears in official documentation, though industry sources indicate a ceiling near AED 15 million (approximately USD 4 million).

The application process runs across five sequential stages totalling up to 10 business weeks: online submission, light due diligence (eligibility review), heavy due diligence (detailed analysis), an independent expert committee review, and a final decision resulting in a letter of intent before the commercial bank performs its own checks and disburses funds. Applications are submitted via the MBRIF online portal. Companies that have already demonstrated commercial traction, operate in one of the seven priority sectors, and require debt capital rather than equity dilution are the strongest candidates for guarantee approval.