Abu Dhabi:The United Arab Emirates has achieved the top global ranking for the extent to which its financial system supports the growth and success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), scoring 96.4 points in the 2026 Global Financial Inclusion Index.

According to Wam, the index, produced by Principal Financial Group in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), evaluates 42 markets based on the support provided by employers, governments, and financial systems. The UAE also ranked 21st globally in the overall financial inclusion index.

Charles Brooke, Senior Managing Director and Head of Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa at Principal Asset Management, stated that the UAE's first-place ranking reflects the strength of the country's financial ecosystem in supporting businesses. Additionally, the UAE demonstrated strong performance in employer support, ranking seventh globally with a score of 68.5, surpassing the global average of 65.7.

The UAE also excelled in several specific areas, ranking fourth globally for financial guidance and support provided by employers, fifth for employer pay initiatives, and ninth for employer-provided insurance plans. This year's research also assessed markets poised to become leaders in financial technology, examining priorities given to fintech and digital financial infrastructure.

The analysis included measurable targets, funding commitments, implementation plans, digital public infrastructure, and the integration of artificial intelligence into financial services. Global financial inclusion reached a record high in 2026, with the overall score climbing to 52 out of 100, marking the highest level since the index's inception. The report highlighted that digitalization has accelerated progress in financial inclusion, with financial-system support emerging as the strongest driver of improvement.