Airwallex announces $43m Investment in UAE to support regional expansion

By Puja Sharma

Global financial technology company Airwallex has announced plans to invest $43 million (AED 158 million) in the United Arab Emirates over the next five years as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and expand its financial infrastructure offerings across the region.

The investment will support the expansion of Airwallex’s operations in Dubai, including team growth, local market development, and the advancement of technology-driven financial products. The move reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the UAE, a market that continues to emerge as a major hub for international trade, innovation, and digital finance.

Airwallex has received in-principle approval from the Central Bank of the UAE for payment-related licenses and is working toward securing final regulatory approvals ahead of its planned market launch in 2026. The company aims to provide businesses operating across multiple markets with solutions that simplify international payments, multi-currency transactions, and financial operations.

Founded in Australia in 2015, Airwallex has expanded its global footprint significantly and today operates across more than 200 countries and territories. The company supports hundreds of thousands of businesses worldwide through its payments and financial infrastructure platform.

The investment is part of Airwallex’s broader commitment to expanding its presence across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company also plans to continue developing AI-powered financial solutions designed to help businesses automate and streamline financial workflows.

The announcement, shared through industry and social media channels, underscores the growing attractiveness of the UAE as a destination for fintech investment and innovation. As digital commerce and cross-border business activity continue to grow, Airwallex’s planned expansion is expected to contribute to the development of the region’s evolving financial services ecosystem.