Commercial Bank of Dubai Launches Mobile Bank for SMEs

Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), one of the UAE's commercial banks, has launched UP by CBD, a mobile banking platform designed for micro and small businesses, bringing business account opening, payments and financial management into a single application.

The platform enables entrepreneurs to open a business account through a mobile onboarding process while providing access to services including business credit, payroll, money transfers and savings tools. According to the bank, the service is intended to help businesses move more quickly from registration to day-to-day operations.

Developed in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the platform integrates directly with the Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) and other trade licensing authorities, allowing businesses to transition from company registration to banking activation through a streamlined process. Eligible users can also access an instant business credit card to support early-stage cash flow, alongside a zero-balance account and flexible subscription plans.

The platform operates within CBD's existing regulatory and governance framework while offering mobile-first banking services for startups and small businesses. Through its partnership with DET, users will also be connected to initiatives including Dubai Founders HQ, the emirate's startup support platform, and SME in a Box, a business setup programme for entrepreneurs.