Zand Partners with DWTC Free Zone to Provide Digital Banking Services
UAE digital bank Zand has entered into a partnership with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone to offer digital banking solutions and streamlined financial services to businesses operating within the zone.
Under the agreement, eligible new and existing companies registered with the DWTC Free Zone will gain access to Zand’s digitally enabled banking services. The partnership is designed to reduce service delivery times and simplify operational processes through Zand’s AI-driven technology.
The initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader economic and digital transformation ambitions, particularly the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to strengthen the emirate’s position as a global business and innovation hub. By integrating banking services into the free zone ecosystem, the collaboration is intended to support companies seeking efficient financial onboarding and day-to-day banking access.
Supporting Business Growth in the Free Zone
Zand said the partnership will help businesses scale more seamlessly while contributing to the digital transformation objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda. According to Michael Chan, CEO of Zand, the collaboration allows the bank to actively support D33’s goals and the targeted average annual AED 100 billion contribution from digital transformation.
“This strategic partnership allows us to actively champion the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda,” Chan said. “We are empowering businesses to scale seamlessly, driving the targeted average annual AED 100 billion contribution from digital transformation.”
DWTC Free Zone also said the partnership enhances the ecosystem available to companies within its jurisdiction by offering access to digital banking tools that can support business expansion and operational ease.
Abdalla Al Banna, Vice President of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at DWTC Free Zone, said the collaboration adds value for companies operating in the zone.
“Our partnership with Zand enhances the ecosystem available to companies within our free zone by providing access to digitally enabled banking solutions that support business growth and ease of operations,” Al Banna said.
Digital Banking Access for New and Existing Companies
The partnership is aimed at both newly established and existing firms registered with DWTC Free Zone. According to the announcement, these companies will benefit from faster service delivery and more streamlined processes, reflecting a growing emphasis on embedded financial services within business ecosystems.
Zand’s use of AI-driven technology is central to the offering, with the bank positioning its services as a way to improve efficiency for businesses that need quick and flexible access to banking infrastructure.
Industry Analysis
This partnership reflects a broader trend in the UAE toward integrating digital banking capabilities into commercial and regulatory environments. For free zone companies, access to faster financial services can reduce friction during setup and support ongoing operations, particularly for businesses that prioritize speed and digital-first workflows.
It also underscores the role of financial institutions in advancing national digital transformation strategies. As more business hubs look to embed banking services within their ecosystems, partnerships like this may become an important differentiator in attracting and retaining companies seeking efficient business enablement.
For Zand, the agreement strengthens its positioning in the UAE’s digital banking market, while for DWTC Free Zone, it adds a practical service layer that may enhance the overall appeal of the zone to current and prospective tenants.
