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Thunes has expanded its Direct Global Network with new payout services across six markets in the Middle East: the Kingdom of Bahrain, Lebanon, the Sultanate of Oman, South Yemen, Syria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The expansion allows Members of Thunes' Direct Global Network to process payouts to bank accounts, mobile wallets and cash pickup locations in local currencies across the region, either through direct API integration with Thunes or via existing Swift connectivity.
The rollout builds on Thunes' expansion of real-time payments across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in September 2025.
In Bahrain, where the non-oil sector contributed 85% of real GDP in 2025, Thunes supports direct bank payouts aligned with the country's National Digital Economy Strategy. In Oman, bank account payouts support the digital transformation goals of Oman Vision 2040, alongside projected GDP growth of 4% in 2026.
In the UAE, a primary regional payments hub driven by the National Payment Systems Strategy (NPSS), Thunes now supports bank account payouts for both consumers and enterprises.
In markets relying on remittance flows for economic resilience and recovery, Thunes is providing critical access points. In Lebanon, a market receiving roughly $7 billion a year in remittances, Thunes supports mobile wallet payouts. In South Yemen, where remittances represent over 38% of total GDP, ranking among the top three most remittance-dependent nations globally, Thunes is enabling bank and cash pickup payouts. In Syria, Thunes has introduced payouts to cash pickup locations, amid broader efforts to rebuild the local banking system.
Chloé Mayenobe, Deputy CEO, Thunes
Chloé Mayenobe, Deputy CEO, Thunes said:
"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 new payout services are underpinned by Thunes' in-house SmartX Treasury System, used for AI-driven forecasting and real-time liquidity management, alongside its Fortress Compliance Platform, which holds more than 50 licences worldwide.
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