Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) has launched UP by CBD, a mobile banking platform designed to help micro and small businesses open bank accounts and manage their financial operations through a single digital application.
The platform combines digital account opening with access to business banking services, including business credit cards, payroll solutions, fund transfers, and savings products.
It supports entrepreneurs and newly established businesses by simplifying access to banking services from the early stages of their operations.
As part of the launch, CBD is collaborating with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to integrate the platform with the Dubai Unified License (DUL).
The integration streamlines the transition from business registration to banking activation, reducing onboarding time for newly licensed businesses.
The initiative facilitates the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global business and investment hub.
The bank stated that the platform addresses the banking requirements of startups and small businesses by providing a digital onboarding process linked with the Dubai Unified License and other trade license authorities. Businesses can complete account opening through digital verification and gain access to banking services through the mobile application.
UP by CBD also provides eligible businesses with access to an instant business credit card to support early operational expenses and working capital requirements.
In addition, the platform offers zero-balance business accounts with flexible subscription plans, allowing businesses to manage cash flow without minimum balance requirements.
Dr. Bernd van Linder, Chief Executive Officer of CBD, said the platform reflects the bank’s long-term commitment to supporting entrepreneurs by helping them move more efficiently from business setup to commercial operations. He added that the collaboration with DET supports the development of Dubai’s micro and small business sector in line with the D33 agenda.
Dhiraj Kunwar, General Manager of Retail and Business Banking at CBD, said that the platform has been developed to address the operational requirements of small businesses by combining digital onboarding with access to business financing and banking services.
CBD noted that the platform operates within its existing regulatory and governance framework while providing businesses with a fully digital banking experience.
Through its collaboration with DET, entrepreneurs will also have access to business support initiatives, including Dubai Founders HQ and SME in a Box, which provide programs and resources to support business development.
