Mastercard has partnered with Dubai-based free zone operator IFZA and consulting firm Global Tax Assistant to introduce an artificial intelligence-powered business registration platform targeting small and medium enterprises in the United Arab Emirates. The digital service represents one of the region’s first AI-driven company formation initiatives.
The collaboration addresses a significant market opportunity, as SMEs comprise more than 94% of all UAE businesses and generate over half the country’s gross domestic product. The UAE government aims to rank among the top three nations in the Global Entrepreneurship Index by 2031 through its National Agenda for Entrepreneurship and SMEs.
Automated Registration Process
The new platform automates the complete business setup journey from initial document submission through license approval. Artificial intelligence handles form completion, document verification and communication workflows, reducing both processing time and administrative costs for entrepreneurs.
IFZA, which hosts startups from more than 160 countries, operates one of Dubai’s leading free zone communities. The organization provides infrastructure and business-friendly regulations designed to attract international companies.
Cardholder Benefits
Mastercard business credit card users receive preferential access to simplified and discounted setup services through the partnership. This feature aims to lower barriers for startups and small businesses seeking to establish operations in the Emirates.
“Our collaboration with IFZA and Global Tax Assistant enhances the value we deliver to our business customers, while supporting the UAE’s vision of a thriving digital economy” said Onur Kursun, Mastercard’s executive vice president for Commercial and New Payment Flows in the Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region.
Market Context
Mastercard reports connecting 960 million individuals and 65 million micro, small and medium enterprises to the digital economy as of 2024. The payment company views SME enablement as central to regional economic growth.
Global Tax Assistant brings over a decade of international experience, serving more than 350 clients across the UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar with accounting, legal, auditing and tax advisory services.
Strategic Alignment
The initiative supports the UAE’s broader digital transformation objectives and economic diversification strategy. By digitizing key aspects of business formation and regulatory compliance, the partnership contributes to national priorities around innovation and entrepreneurship development.
“SMEs are the prototype of tomorrow’s global companies, driving innovation, job creation, exports and new business models” stated Jochen Knecht, IFZA’s chief executive officer.
Smbat Alikhanyan, CEO of Global Tax Assistant, noted the firm’s commitment to “helping small business owners unlock new opportunities” through the collaboration. The company plans to explore potential applications of the underlying technology in banking customer journey processes.
The public-private partnership reflects growing emphasis on technology-enabled business services across the Gulf region, where governments seek to attract international investment and foster local entrepreneurship through streamlined regulatory processes.