Al Dhameen — Credit Guarantee Program

Al Dhameen — Credit Guarantee Program

Provides Qatar-based businesses with QDB-backed credit guarantees that reduce collateral requirements for bank loans.

Eligibility · QA

Al Dhameen is Qatar Development Bank's (QDB) credit guarantee scheme for Qatar-based private-sector businesses. QDB does not disburse cash directly to applicants; instead it guarantees a portion of commercial bank financing so that SMEs with insufficient collateral can access credit on more favourable terms. Guarantee coverage reaches up to 50% of the financed amount, rising to up to 70% for lower-ticket facilities. Loan tenors run up to 15 years with a grace period of up to 3 years, and the pricing cap is 1% above the Qatar Monetary Rate (QMR) for coverage exceeding 50%.

Eligible applicants are Qatar-based private-sector companies — micro, SME, and large enterprises — holding a valid commercial license. Startups are eligible if they demonstrate a viable business plan. Sectors supported include manufacturing, logistics, tourism, information technology, education, food and agriculture, healthcare, and green technology. Joint-stock and public holding companies are excluded. Construction contracting is also excluded. Al Dhameen does not cover lending to entities already receiving direct QDB financing through other windows.

Applications are submitted via the National Funding Gate (TAMKEEN) portal or directly through a partner financial institution. The programme is open on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline cycle. Applicants first approach a partner bank, which submits the guarantee request to QDB for assessment. The programme is a financial instrument, not a grant — no non-repayable award is involved. Applicants who need working capital or asset finance and lack conventional collateral are the primary target beneficiaries.