#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Middle East #Thunes #Digital Payments

Thunes Expands Cross-Border Payment Services in the Middle East

Introduction
In a groundbreaking announcement, Thunes, a leader in global payment solutions, has unveiled an extensive expansion of its Direct Global Network into six key markets in the Middle East. This strategic move aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of cross-border payment services across the region, emphasizing Thunes' commitment to facilitating smoother money transfers for users and businesses alike.

Expanded Services
The newly included markets are the Kingdom of Bahrain, Lebanon, the Sultanate of Oman, South Yemen, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With this expansion, members of Thunes' Direct Global Network can access a variety of payment options, including swift payouts to numerous bank accounts, mobile wallets, and cash pickup points, all in local currencies. These developments not only simplify the payment process but also provide crucial access points for those relying on remittances for their livelihoods.

Regional Economic Significance
The expansion responds to the unique economic landscapes and digitalization efforts across the target countries. For instance, in Bahrain, where the non-oil economy represented a remarkable 85% of the GDP in 2025, Thunes aligns its services with the nation’s National Digital Economy Strategy. Similarly, in Oman, bank account payouts further support the ambitious goals laid out in Oman Vision 2040, which anticipates notable GDP growth of 4% this year alone.

Moreover, the UAE, recognized as a regional hub for payments, benefits greatly from this initiative, as Thunes introduces services that cater to both consumers and enterprises under the National Payment Systems Strategy (NPSS). This rollout fosters an environment conducive to enterprise growth while empowering consumers with efficient access to their funds.

Addressing Remittance Needs
Thunes' solutions are especially vital in markets that significantly depend on remittance flows for economic sustainability. In Lebanon, for instance, the population relies heavily on the $7 billion received annually in remittances, which makes mobile wallet payouts essential for many households.

In South Yemen, where remittances contribute over 38% of the total GDP, Thunes facilitates bank and cash pickup payouts, catering to one of the globe’s most remittance-dependent nations. Likewise, in Syria, the introduction of cash pickup locations represents a necessary provision of financial access amid the broader challenges facing its banking system as it seeks to rebuild and recover.

Thunes' Commitment to Financial Inclusion
Reflecting on this expansion, Chloé Mayenobe, Deputy CEO of Thunes, remarked, “Launching new payout capabilities across the Middle East unlocks significant value for our members and their end-users. These markets are deeply committed to digital innovation and financial inclusion. Thunes is proud to provide the infrastructure that empowers businesses and individuals to participate seamlessly in international commerce and the broader global economy.”

Technology Driving Solutions
Utilizing its proprietary SmartX Treasury System, Thunes enhances operational performance through AI-driven forecasting and real-time liquidity management. The company’s Fortress Compliance Platform fortifies these efforts by ensuring that every transaction adheres strictly to security and compliance standards, supported by over 50 licences globally.

Conclusion
The expansion of Thunes' payment services across these six Middle Eastern markets highlights a strategic effort to improve financial accessibility and inclusion within the region. As they continue to build their infrastructure, Thunes remains dedicated to providing innovative solutions that meet the growing demands of businesses and consumers alike, reinforcing its position as a premier facilitator for global money movement.

For further information, visit Thunes.