Abu dhabi: IMKAN, a leading global master developer based in Abu Dhabi, and Zelo, a UAE-based private financing platform and subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), have announced a strategic partnership to deliver embedded financing solutions to contractors and suppliers operating within IMKAN's development ecosystem.
According to Emirates News Agency, under the partnership, Zelo will offer both invoice financing and bank guarantee support to IMKAN's contractor and supplier base, providing the liquidity instruments needed to sustain project delivery, manage cash flow, and enable suppliers to scale their participation in IMKAN's growing portfolio of residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
Real estate development projects in the UAE frequently involve extended payment cycles that can constrain the working capital of contractors and subcontractors, particularly SMEs. By embedding Zelo's financing solutions directly within IMKAN's ecosystem, the partnership addresses this challenge at the source, enabling suppliers to access liquidity against approved invoices and to secure bank guarantees as required by project and contractual obligations.
The arrangement is structured to benefit the broader contractor community operating within IMKAN's supply chain. Rather than relying solely on balance sheet strength or traditional banking relationships, contractors and suppliers will be able to access purpose-built financial instruments that are aligned with the pace and requirements of active development projects.
Engineer Suwaidan Al Dhaheri, CEO of IMKAN Properties, commented on the partnership, emphasizing the importance of strong, collaborative partnerships to IMKAN's success. He noted that the collaboration with Zelo supports their contractors and suppliers, streamlining operations and ensuring the delivery of landmark projects to high standards.
The partnership reflects a broader shift in how large real estate developers are approaching supply chain sustainability. By integrating financial services within their procurement and project ecosystems, developers can attract a wider pool of contractors, improve delivery confidence, and reduce disruption from cash flow-driven delays.
Dhanush Arjun, CEO and Co-founder of Zelo, highlighted the dynamic nature of the UAE's real estate development sector and the need for financing solutions that match the pace of work. Through the partnership with IMKAN, Zelo aims to bring invoice financing and bank guarantee support into the project ecosystem, providing contractors with necessary liquidity and removing growth limitations.
The collaboration between IMKAN and Zelo contributes to Zelo's growing portfolio of ecosystem financing arrangements, embedding its solutions within established corporate and government-linked supply chains across the UAE.