Thunes Expands to Six Middle Eastern Markets

Thunes, a global money movement platform, has expanded its Direct Global Network to six new Middle Eastern markets, enhancing its cross-border payment infrastructure and providing faster, more transparent payment solutions. The expansion, announced on September 14, 2026, includes Bahrain, Lebanon, Oman, South Yemen, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

This move builds on Thunes' previous expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where the company introduced real-time payments in September 2025. The new markets are seen as key to Thunes' strategy, as they represent diverse economic needs and varying levels of digital innovation.

In Bahrain, Thunes supports the non-oil sector, which contributed 85% of the nation's real GDP in 2025, by aligning with the National Digital Economy Strategy. In Oman, the company's services are aimed at supporting the digital transformation goals of Oman Vision 2040, alongside projected GDP growth of 4% in 2026.

In the UAE, a primary regional payments hub, Thunes now offers bank account payouts for both consumers and enterprises, leveraging the National Payment Systems Strategy (NPSS). The UAE's expansion is crucial for the country's role as a financial and business hub in the Middle East.

For markets heavily reliant on remittances, Thunes provides critical access points. In Lebanon, the company supports mobile wallet payouts, given the country's high remittance inflows, with roughly $7 billion received annually. In South Yemen, Thunes enables bank and cash pickup payouts, where remittances account for over 38% of the country's GDP, making it one of the top three most remittance-dependent nations globally.

In Syria, Thunes introduces payouts to cash pickup locations, offering reliable financial access amid broader efforts to rebuild the local banking system. This move is significant as it addresses the challenges faced by the Syrian economy, which has been severely impacted by conflict and sanctions.

Chloé Mayenobe, Deputy CEO at Thunes, stated, "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."

The expansion leverages Thunes' in-house SmartX Treasury System for AI-driven forecasting and real-time liquidity management, as well as its Fortress Compliance Platform, which benefits from over 50 licenses worldwide. These tools ensure that every payment is executed with the highest levels of security, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Thunes' continued growth in the Middle East underscores its commitment to expanding its global footprint and supporting the financial needs of businesses and individuals in diverse economic environments. The company aims to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions, driving financial inclusion and digital innovation in the region.