The UAE has developed into one of the region’s most active centres for private credit, corporate lending, and structured financing. Alongside traditional bank facilities, companies now have access to a wider range of capital sources including private lenders, specialist funds, family offices, and sustainability-linked financing.
For businesses planning expansion, acquisition, refinancing, or restructuring, understanding how private capital operates in the UAE is essential.
This article outlines the key sources of private finance available to UAE-based companies, current market dynamics, and the practical steps required to prepare for capital raising.
The Growth of Private Credit in the UAE
Private credit has expanded steadily across the UAE as companies seek more flexible funding than what traditional banks may provide. Specialist lenders, regional funds, international private credit platforms, and corporate investment arms now offer financing solutions such as:
Growth financing
Recapitalisation
Asset-backed lending
Acquisition funding
Structured credit arrangements
These lenders typically provide faster decision-making, tailored structures, and customised repayment profiles. This makes private credit an increasingly relevant option for mid-market firms as well as large corporates.
Broader Capital Sources Available to UAE Companies
Companies today can access several types of capital beyond conventional loans:
Traditional Banks and Islamic Windows
Banks remain the primary source of working capital, trade finance, term loans, and project financing. Islamic banks also offer Murabaha, Ijara, and other Sharia-compliant facilities suited to asset-heavy sectors.
Private Credit Funds and Specialist Lenders
These providers offer flexible capital structures, often secured against cash flows, receivables, inventory, contracts, or assets. They are used for growth financing, acquisitions, and balance-sheet optimisation.
Family Offices and Wealth Platforms
Family offices play a growing role in providing private debt or equity to mid-market companies. They often prefer stable cash-flow businesses or sectors with long-term visibility.
Capital Markets. Sukuk and Corporate Bonds
Larger companies can tap the UAE capital markets through sukuk or bond issuances, especially when projects have long-term revenue streams or sustainability components.
Sustainability-linked and ESG Finance
Regulatory guidance is encouraging financial institutions to embed ESG factors into lending decisions. Companies with clear sustainability plans may access more favourable financing structures.
What Lenders Evaluate Before Extending Capital
Private lenders and credit funds typically focus on the following:
Strength and predictability of revenue
Quality of financial reporting and internal controls
Asset base and collateral structure
Debt service coverage capacity
Management depth and operational track record
Compliance, governance, and sustainability indicators
The UAE’s regulatory environment places growing emphasis on transparency, reporting quality, and ESG alignment. Companies that proactively manage these areas are better positioned to secure competitive financing.
Preparing for a Successful Capital Raise in the UAE
Companies planning to raise debt or structured finance should consider the following steps:
1. Assess Current Capital Structure
Evaluate existing bank facilities, shareholder loans, leasing arrangements, and any off-balance-sheet obligations.
2. Define Funding Requirements Clearly
Specify whether capital is needed for expansion, acquisitions, equipment, refinancing, or working capital.
3. Strengthen Financial Documentation
Ensure management accounts, audited statements, cash-flow models, and business plans are consistent, clear, and aligned with lender expectations.
4. Review ESG and Compliance Position
Given increasing scrutiny around sustainability, governance, and risk management, companies should be prepared to demonstrate responsible practices.
5. Match the Right Lender to the Right Need
Bank financing may suit asset-heavy or long-term projects, while private credit is often better for growth financing, restructuring, or time-sensitive opportunities.
6. Prepare a Lender-Ready Information Pack
A clear set of documents including financials, forecasts, corporate structure, cash-flow assumptions, and covenant readiness will accelerate lender decision cycles.
Benefits of Accessing Private Credit in the UAE
Private credit offers several advantages for companies that require flexibility:
Faster approval timelines
Tailored structures that align with business cycles
Ability to fund growth that may not fit bank criteria
Greater discretion and negotiated terms
Less dilution compared to equity options
This makes private credit particularly suitable for businesses undergoing expansion, M&A activity, or balance-sheet optimisation.
How ACCLRT Supports Companies Seeking Private Finance
ACCLRT works with founders, corporates, and investment-driven entities to structure and secure private financing. Our support includes:
Capital strategy assessment
Identification of suitable lenders and credit providers
Preparation of lender-ready financial and operational documentation
Review of compliance, governance, and sustainability disclosures
Cross-jurisdiction structuring for holding companies
Coordination with legal, banking, and regulatory stakeholders
Our objective is to ensure companies are positioned to secure the most suitable financing structure while maintaining clarity, compliance, and long-term stability.
The UAE’s private finance market has developed into a broad and well-defined landscape that serves businesses across different sizes and sectors. Companies with clear financial reporting, sound governance, and a defined funding requirement are better positioned to secure capital from banks, private credit providers, family offices, and the capital markets.
ACCLRT supports clients by assessing financing needs, preparing the required documentation, and coordinating with suitable lenders to ensure the funding structure aligns with the company’s operational priorities and long-term plans.
