Apply by 30 November 2026 at 23:30 GST
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), in collaboration with the Alliance for Innovative Regulation (AIR), has opened applications for the Financial Health Innovation Challenge, seeking market-ready solutions that can measurably improve financial health for individuals and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the UAE.
Selected applicants will have opportunities to work with participating UAE-licensed financial institutions to adapt, test and demonstrate their solutions in the UAE. These institutions offer banking, savings, remittance and investment products and services, and may serve as pilot hosts and/or provide targeted expertise and other support.
Focus Areas
The Challenge focuses on four dimensions of financial health:
- Managing day-to-day finances
- Absorbing financial shocks
- Pursuing longer-term financial goals
- Making financial decisions with confidence
Innovation can include new or improved financial products, services and technologies, as well as new delivery models and approaches for reaching and serving communities.
The Challenge is rooted in the UAE National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2026-2030 and the UAE National Financial Literacy Strategy 2027-2031, which set the national direction for advancing inclusive finance and strengthening financial capability.
Why Apply?
Selected applicants will have the opportunity to:
- Strengthen their UAE proposition through insight into local needs, institutional priorities and deployment requirements.
- Explore partnerships and potential pilots with participating UAE-licensed financial institutions.
- Access tailored support and funding, including readiness, mentoring and pilot-design support.
- Build evidence for growth by demonstrating financial health impact and operational feasibility.
- Contribute to a national priority by supporting the UAE’s financial health ambitions.
The opportunities available will depend on the stage reached.
Grant Support
Up to seven shortlisted applicants will each receive an AED 30,000 participation grant to contribute towards the time and costs of taking part in the Challenge, including any required travel.
Applicants progressing to the pilot stage may receive up to an additional AED 90,000 to support pilot design and implementation.
All grants are subject to the applicable funding, selection, approval, due-diligence and grant-agreement requirements. Challenge grants are made possible by the support of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.
Key Dates*
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Challenge launch / applications open | 1 October 2026 |
| Applications close | 30 November 2026 at 23:30 GST (UTC+4) |
| Applicant review and clarification | December 2026 to January 2027 |
| Shortlisted applicants announced | January 2027 |
| Institutional matching | February to March 2027 |
| Pilot design | March 2027 |
| Pilot implementation period | April 2027 to August 2027 |
| Challenge outcomes / learning shared | August 2027 |
* Dates are subject to change.
About the Challenge
The Financial Health Innovation Challenge is led by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and delivered in collaboration with the Alliance for Innovative Regulation (AIR) and ecosystem partner, the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.
Apply Now
Have a market-ready solution that could improve financial health for individuals or MSMEs in the UAE? Explore the Challenge areas and eligibility requirements, then submit your application.
Applications close 30 November 2026 at 23:30 GST.
