Mastercard report highlights differing SME priorities in Australia and UAE

A Mastercard Dreamonomics report reveals diverging priorities among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In Australia, SME owners are increasingly prioritizing personal wellbeing, stability, and deep customer relationships over rapid expansion. Approximately 71% of Australian SME owners aim to build businesses that support personal health and relationships, and 68% prioritize predictability over fast growth. While cybersecurity is a high priority for 70% of these businesses, only 36% currently utilize cybersecurity tools.

In contrast, SMEs in the UAE demonstrate a stronger growth mindset. Only 57% of UAE SMEs prioritize predictability over fast growth, compared to a 68% global average. The UAE also shows high engagement with digital assets; 14% of UAE SMEs accept cryptocurrency for payments, and 10% use stablecoins to pay business expenses. This indicates a more aggressive embrace of innovation and digital finance compared to other surveyed markets.