TikTok and Visa Join Forces to Empower UAE’s Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the digital capabilities of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the United Arab Emirates, TikTok and Visa announced a strategic collaboration on Monday. This partnership is designed to provide SMBs with essential tools, resources, and incentives to navigate and thrive in the increasingly complex digital economy.
Empowering SMBs with Incentives
Starting July 1, 2025, SMBs using Visa Commercial cards to invest in their TikTok advertising campaigns can unlock substantial benefits. Specifically, those who spend $250 will receive $150 in TikTok Ad Credits. This initiative is especially crucial for first-time users of TikTok Ads Manager, allowing them to engage a broader audience and potentially grow their businesses more effectively.
The offer, however, is not just about incentives; it signifies a commitment to fostering a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs. The promotion will be valid until September 30, encouraging businesses to take swift action to enhance their online presence.
Exclusive Educational Opportunities
In addition to generous ad credits, the collaboration offers several educational resources designed to equip businesses with the skills to leverage TikTok successfully. Eligible SMBs will have access to TikTok masterclasses, interactive Q&A sessions with TikTok specialists, and the "Grow with TikTok Resource Hub." This educational support aims to demystify digital marketing and enable businesses to present themselves authentically and creatively on the platform.
As an additional incentive, the first three businesses to register for the program will receive a free, creator-made ad, providing them with a professional-quality promotional boost.
A Commitment to the UAE’s Economy
Joanne Chehab, Head of Business Partnerships, Global Business Solutions in MENA for TikTok, emphasized the significance of this partnership in her statement. She remarked, “SMBs are the heart of the UAE’s economy, and we are committed to helping them thrive in the digital era.” Her words highlight a clear alignment between TikTok’s offerings and the UAE’s broader innovation and entrepreneurship goals.
The collaboration is not just a business strategy; it reflects a shared vision for supporting the economic framework of the UAE, fostering innovation, and driving digital growth across various sectors.
Visa’s Role in Digital Transformation
Visa’s involvement is driven by its mission to empower entrepreneurs in the region. Salima Gutieva, Visa’s VP and Country Manager for the UAE, remarked, “Visa is proud to support SMBs; an essential driver of economic resilience and innovation in the UAE.” According to Gutieva, this partnership facilitates not only digital marketing but also provides the necessary skills for SMBs to thrive.
The collaboration speaks volumes about Visa’s commitment to supporting economic diversification through innovation. It showcases the importance of equipping businesses with modern tools and resources to adapt to a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Bridging Finance and Creativity
Crucially, this partnership aims to bridge the gap between financial enablement and digital creativity for SMBs. By combining Visa’s trusted payment solutions with TikTok’s vibrant platform, the initiative opens new avenues for business owners in the UAE. It not only enhances their ability to reach new customers but also instills confidence in navigating an increasingly digital-first marketplace.
In summary, the collaboration between TikTok and Visa represents a forward-thinking approach to support the backbone of the UAE’s economy—its small and medium-sized businesses. This initiative reflects a growing trend of synergies between digital platforms and financial institutions, aimed at fostering a robust ecosystem for entrepreneurs in the region.
