Transnational Marketing Journal

ISSN: 2041-4684 | e-ISSN: 2041-4692

SME Financing: A UAE Entrepreneur Perspective

Abid Mahmood Muhammad
Jumeira University
Mohammed Bilal Basha, Gail Al Hafidh
Higher Colleges of Technology
Keywords: SME, Entrepreneur, Bank, Finance, UAE.

Abstract

This research is an investigation into the motivating factors driving choice of bank for SME entrepreneurs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study aims to highlight the challenges and suggest solutions in addressing the credit gap between the cash flow needs of SME entrepreneurs and the finance policies of UAE banks. The data collected was generated from a sample of SME owner-managers in three emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. A structured research questionnaire was distributed and the convenience sampling method resulted in 380 completed responses. These were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. The results of the study will enable banks to better understand and analyze the key determinants that impact the SME entrepreneurs’ attitude in bank selection and the products and services this particular group values. Research findings are also envisaged to be of particular interest to scholars and practitioners of Islamic Banking specifically, inspiring further studies across the MENA region.  

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Keywords

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