Key takeaways
First digital SME financing platform regulated across the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
More than 3,000 SMEs financed across the GCC since 2014.
The acquisition supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 private-sector growth ambitions.
SHARJAH, UAE, 19 October 2026 - Beehive, the DFSA-regulated SME finance provider and an etisalat company, has signed a partnership with Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) to support the growth of businesses based in the free zone. It was signed at the Sharjah Investment Forum on 14th October 2026.
The partnership gives SPC Free Zone companies a direct route to Beehive's Sharia-compliant business finance.
Beehive will work with SPC Free Zone through a dedicated team, and the two will work together on events and marketing to reach SPC companies.
What the partnership means for SPC Free Zone companies
Growing businesses often reach a point where the plan is ready, but the cash isn't. Through the partnership, SPC companies can apply for:
Term Finance: This type of long-term funding provides SMEs with up to AED 2 million, repayable over 12 or 24 months. Businesses can use it for planned growth, such as equipment, premises, or a new contract.
Working Capital Finance: A short-term funding option against business invoices, so growth doesn't have to wait for clients' payments. It gives businesses up to AED 2.5 million, repayable in 90 –120 days.
Applications are reviewed by Beehive's credit team, who give a clear answer on whether the finance fits.
The partnership gives SPC Free Zone companies a direct route to Beehive's Sharia-compliant business finance.
Beehive will work with SPC Free Zone through a dedicated team, and the two will work together on events and marketing to reach SPC companies.
What the partnership means for SPC Free Zone companies
“Saudi Arabia is one of the most dynamic SME markets in the region, and we have been committed to it since 2020. With Themar, we are moving from a partnership-led presence to a regulated platform in the Kingdom, giving us a stronger foundation to scale access to financing for Saudi SMEs.”
Peter Tavener
Co-Founder & Group CEO, Beehive
The partnership gives SPC Free Zone companies a direct route to Beehive's Sharia-compliant business finance.
Beehive will work with SPC Free Zone through a dedicated team, and the two will work together on events and marketing to reach SPC companies.
What the partnership means for SPC Free Zone companies
“Saudi Arabia is one of the most dynamic SME markets in the region, and we have been committed to it since 2020. With Themar, we are moving from a partnership-led presence to a regulated platform in the Kingdom, giving us a stronger foundation to scale access to financing for Saudi SMEs.”
Peter Tavener
Co-Founder & Group CEO, Beehive
Media enquiries
Oliver Bass, Beehive
oliver.bass@beehive.ae
