Global financial services company Robinhood has chosen the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as its regional headquarters for expansion into the Middle East, following approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to launch its retail investment platform.
The move marks another step in strengthening Dubai’s position as a global center for financial services and innovation, while highlighting the emirate’s continued ability to attract leading international financial technology companies.
Robinhood’s expansion is also part of its plans to bring investment services to more individuals across the region, giving local investors greater access to global financial markets.
Robinhood Plans to Launch Investment Services in the Middle East
Robinhood plans to introduce its investment products in the region during 2027, following the regulatory approval that allows the company to facilitate access to trading and custody services across 10 asset classes authorized by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
These include stocks, cryptocurrencies, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and investment tokens, offering local investors a broader range of financial products and more opportunities to participate in global markets.
The company’s entry into the Middle East will add to the region’s growing digital investment services sector, as interest in modern financial tools and technology-driven investment platforms continues to develop.
Dubai International Financial Centre Strengthens Its Appeal to Global Companies
His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of the DIFC Authority, emphasized that Robinhood’s decision to establish its regional base at the center reflects Dubai’s position as a preferred destination for international financial companies and contributes to strengthening its investment services and financial technology ecosystem.
He stated that welcoming one of the world’s leading retail investment platforms supports DIFC’s efforts to broaden participation in financial markets and connect a new generation of investors across the region with investment opportunities worldwide.
Robinhood’s decision to operate from DIFC also reflects the confidence international financial institutions place in Dubai and the environment the emirate provides for financial services and investment technology.
Vlad Tenev: Dubai Marks a Key Step in Robinhood’s Global Expansion
Vlad Tenev, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Robinhood, said the Dubai International Financial Centre is one of the world’s most important financial centers.
He noted that expanding through DIFC represents a major step in the company’s strategy to build a global investment platform that enables individuals to access a diverse range of financial assets.
Establishing a regional headquarters in Dubai is an important part of Robinhood’s international expansion plans, allowing the company to strengthen its presence in new markets through technology-based investment services designed for individual investors.
New Opportunities for Investors as Financial Technology Continues to Grow
Johann Kerbrat, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Crypto and International at Robinhood, emphasized that the Dubai International Financial Centre has become a prominent destination for financial innovation, alongside growing interest among retail investors in the Middle East and North Africa in modern investment tools and services.
He explained that the company looks forward to providing technology-driven financial solutions that meet the needs of investors across the region and support their participation in global financial markets.
Robinhood’s planned expansion into the Middle East and North Africa comes as financial technology continues to develop and individual investors show increasing interest in digital platforms that provide access to a wider range of investment options.
Salah Qaddoura to Lead Robinhood’s Regional Operations from Dubai
Robinhood will establish its regional operations at the Dubai International Financial Centre under the leadership of Salah Qaddoura, Senior Executive Officer and Head of the Middle East and North Africa.
Qaddoura will oversee the company’s regional operations and lead efforts to expand its local team as Robinhood prepares to strengthen its presence in the market.
He confirmed that establishing the regional headquarters in Dubai will enable the company to expand its operations and provide investors with greater opportunities to benefit from the global financial ecosystem.
