September 22, 2025
Tuum has partnered with Abwab.ai to launch digital lending solutions for SMEs in the GCC, enabling faster, AI-driven credit assessments and streamlined access to financing.
Tuum, a global banking and fintech platform provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Abwab.ai, a leading artificial intelligence-based credit and lending platform, to expand digital SME lending across the GCC region. This collaboration aims to address the financing gaps faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while leveraging AI technology, data analytics, and digital banking infrastructure.
Objectives of the Partnership
Faster and Smarter Lending: By combining Tuum’s digital banking infrastructure with Abwab.ai’s AI-driven credit scoring, SMEs can access loans faster, with decisions based on real-time financial data and predictive analytics.
Enhanced Risk Assessment: The partnership improves risk management by utilizing machine learning algorithms to assess borrower profiles, transaction histories, and financial behavior, reducing default risks while promoting responsible lending.
Seamless Digital Experience: SMEs benefit from a fully digital application and approval process, reducing paperwork and operational friction. This aligns with the growing trend of digital-first financial services in the GCC.
GCC Market Expansion: The collaboration enables both companies to scale operations across multiple GCC countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait, responding to a growing demand for SME financing solutions in the region.
Market Context SMEs are a vital component of the GCC economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. However, access to financing remains a challenge due to traditional banking processes, stringent documentation requirements, and high-risk perception. Digital lending platforms, such as those enabled by Tuum and Abwab.ai, offer an innovative alternative that reduces barriers, accelerates capital access, and supports regional economic growth.
Technology and Innovation Abwab.ai’s AI and machine learning tools allow for dynamic credit scoring, predictive risk modeling, and automated loan management, while Tuum provides the digital banking infrastructure to deliver secure, compliant, and scalable lending services. Together, they create an integrated solution that addresses both operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
Strategic Benefits
Empowering SMEs: Faster access to capital allows small businesses to invest in growth, operations, and innovation, strengthening the regional business ecosystem.
Operational Efficiency: Automation reduces manual processes, lowers operational costs, and enables banks and fintechs to serve more clients effectively.
Regulatory Compliance: The integrated platform ensures that all lending processes comply with GCC financial regulations, minimizing legal and operational risks.
Investor Confidence: The collaboration demonstrates a robust, technology-driven approach to lending, which can attract further investment and partnerships in the fintech sector.
Future Outlook Tuum and Abwab.ai plan to expand their SME digital lending solutions across the GCC, introducing advanced features such as dynamic loan pricing, real-time portfolio analytics, and AI-driven advisory services. The initiative is expected to accelerate SME growth, foster financial inclusion, and drive digital transformation in regional banking and fintech sectors.
Conclusion The Tuum–Abwab.ai partnership marks a significant step in digitizing SME lending in the GCC. By leveraging AI, data analytics, and digital banking infrastructure, the collaboration enhances access to finance, improves operational efficiency, and supports sustainable economic growth in the region. This initiative underscores the critical role of technology-driven financial solutions in addressing the challenges faced by SMEs and shaping the future of regional fintech.
