Thunes expands cross-border payouts to six Middle East markets

Details: John Tanner; Category: Mobile Finance; 15 September 2026; 1394 views

Singapore-based global payment platform Thunes announced on Monday that it’s expanding its cross-border payments network across the Middle East in six new markets: Bahrain, Lebanon, Oman, South Yemen, Syria and the UAE.

Thunes said the move enhances its cross-border infrastructure in the region, enabling its Direct Global Network members to process payouts to millions of bank accounts, mobile wallets, and cash pickup locations in local currencies throughout the region, either through direct API integration with Thunes or by leveraging existing Swift connectivity.

Thunes also said the regional rollout builds on its expansion of real-time payments across Saudi Arabia in September 2025 and targets diverse economic needs across the Middle East.

For example, in Bahrain – where the non-oil sector contributed 85% of real GDP last year – Thunes supports direct bank payouts aligned with the country’s National Digital Economy Strategy. Enabling direct bank payouts will also support Oman Vision 2040 and the UAE’s National Payment Systems Strategy (NPSS), Thunes said.

Thunes said it will also provide critical access points for remittance flows that markets rely on for economic resilience and recovery. In Lebanon, for example, receives roughly US$7 billion per year in remittances, while remittances represent over 38% of South Yemen’s total GDP, making it one of the top three remittance-dependent nations globally.

Meanwhile, introducing payouts to cash pickup locations in Syria will provide reliable financial access amid broader efforts to rebuild the local banking system, Thunes said.

“These markets are deeply committed to digital innovation and financial inclusion,” said Thunes deputy CEO Chloé Mayenobe in a statement. “Launching new payout capabilities across the Middle East unlocks significant value for our members and their end-users.”