Airwallex plans to invest $43M in the UAE over the next five years as it expands its financial platform across the EMEA region.
The investment will support new financial and agentic products, an expanded Dubai office and additional hiring. The company also plans to appoint new leadership roles to oversee its UAE operations and wider Middle East expansion. Airwallex said the first phase is already underway, with several hires made this year.
The company has secured In-Principle Approval from the Central Bank of the UAE for Stored Value Facilities and Retail Payment Services (Category II) licences. It is working toward full approval, with services under the licences expected to launch in 2026.
Airwallex said the investment is aimed at meeting demand from UAE businesses expanding into international markets and managing multiple currencies. Or Liban, the company’s Managing Director for the Middle East, Benelux and Nordics, said the company is building products and regional infrastructure to support those businesses.
Airwallex has operated in the region since 2024. Its new CFO, Pranav Sood, is also scheduled to speak at Abu Dhabi Finance Week in December about the company’s regional investment.
Source: My Startup World
