A Mastercard survey finds 14 per cent of UAE SMEs accept cryptocurrency payments and 10 per cent pay business expenses in stablecoins, with strong interest in AI fraud protection
A Mastercard survey finds 14 per cent of UAE SMEs accept cryptocurrency payments and 10 per cent pay business expenses in stablecoins, with strong interest in AI fraud protection
Fourteen per cent of UAE small and medium-sized enterprises surveyed by Mastercard accept cryptocurrency as payment, while 10 per cent say they pay business expenses in stablecoins, according to the company’s new Dreamonomics report.
The findings point to business use of digital assets beyond expressions of interest, although the release does not state how many UAE firms were surveyed or provide a breakdown of the types of transactions involved.
The study covered 18 markets worldwide. In the UAE, it also found that 48 per cent of surveyed SMEs were interested in AI-powered fraud and security protection from their financial provider, compared with a 41 per cent global average.
Two-thirds of UAE SMEs in the survey, 67 per cent, said they were excited about the possibilities of artificial intelligence for their business. Seventy-two per cent said it was critical that their business tools were connected and worked well together.
The findings also suggest a greater willingness to pursue growth amid uncertainty. Fifty-seven per cent of UAE respondents prioritised predictability over fast growth, compared with 68 per cent globally. A further 47 per cent said they avoided risks to keep their finances predictable, against a 54 per cent global average.
UAE SMEs show appetite for new payment technology
The report follows Mastercard’s United Arab Emirates SME Confidence Index, released in August, in which 83 per cent of business decision-makers said digital and online payments were important to helping their businesses grow faster and more efficiently.
