Thunes Expands Cross-Border Payout Network to Six Middle East Markets | LeapRate
Thunes, a global cross-border payments infrastructure provider, has announced an expansion of its Direct Global Network into six new Middle East markets: Bahrain, Lebanon, Oman, South Yemen, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.
The expansion gives Members of Thunes’ network access to payout options including bank accounts, mobile wallets and cash pickup locations across the region, either through direct API integration or existing Swift connectivity.
The move follows Thunes’ September 2025 expansion of real-time payments in Saudi Arabia.
The rollout addresses varied needs across the region. In Bahrain, where the non-oil sector made up 85% of real GDP in 2025, Thunes will support bank payouts tied to the country’s National Digital Economy Strategy.
In Oman, bank account payouts align with Oman Vision 2040 amid projected GDP growth of 4% in 2026. In the UAE, the company will support consumer and enterprise bank payouts as part of the National Payment Systems Strategy.
Thunes is also targeting remittance-dependent markets. In Lebanon, which receives roughly $7 billion annually in remittances, the company will offer mobile wallet payouts.
In South Yemen, where remittances account for more than 38% of GDP, it will enable bank and cash pickup payouts. In Syria, Thunes will introduce cash pickup access as the local banking system continues to rebuild.
Chloé Mayenobe, Deputy CEO at Thunes, said the expansion supports financial inclusion and digital innovation goals across these markets. The company said the new services run on its SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, which holds more than 50 licences worldwide.
