PayPal’s New Dubai Hub Marks Its Commitment To The MEA

Global digital commerce platform PayPal has inaugurated its first regional hub in the Middle East and Africa, choosing the information technology and business park Dubai Internet City as its base to serve 80 countries across the region.  

The move marks a significant expansion of PayPal’s global footprint, reinforcing its commitment to customers and partners in the region. The company aims to enable millions more consumers and businesses to access the global digital economy through its new site. 

PayPal was founded by Max Levchin and Peter Thiel in the US in 1998. It provides digital payment solutions that enable consumers and businesses to send and receive money securely across more than 200 markets worldwide. 

Speaking to Inc. Arabia, Otto Williams, Regional Head and General Manager of PayPal Middle East and Africa, said the decision to establish a hub in Dubai was driven by both opportunity and necessity.

“The Middle East and Africa are home to some of the fastest-growing digital economies in the world, but they’re also among the most fragmented when it comes to financial infrastructure," Williams told Inc. Arabia. "We saw an opportunity to bring cohesion and scale. From remittances and e-commerce to mobile-first payments, the region is full of dynamic use cases that demand local nuance.” 

Williams emphasized that Dubai’s strategic advantages made it the ideal choice for PayPal’s expansion. “Dubai, with its innovation-first mindset and strategic location, gives us the perfect launchpad," he said. "We’re tailoring PayPal’s global capabilities to serve the MEA by embedding with local ecosystems, whether that’s enabling mobile wallet integration through partners like TerraPay, investing in high-growth fintechs like Tabby and Paymob, or building compliance-ready infrastructure to meet regional regulatory frameworks. Our new hub isn’t just an office, it’s a commitment to building for the long haul." 

Through its new regional hub, PayPal plans to deliver enhanced access to global commerce capabilities, including seamless payments, strong security measures, and broader connectivity to international payment networks. These services are expected to support both large enterprises and small businesses in selling across borders more efficiently. 

With SMEs forming a vital backbone of the regional economy, PayPal is also positioning itself as a critical enabler of their global growth. “SMEs are the heartbeat of this region’s economy," Williams explained. "Yet, many face roadblocks when trying to scale globally, whether it’s managing cross-border transactions, gaining customer trust, or accessing working capital.” 

He added, “At PayPal, we’re removing those barriers. Our platform gives SMEs instant access to over 430 million consumers worldwide, with built-in trust and fraud protection that levels the playing field. We’re also offering them seamless onboarding, powerful APIs for developers, and localized settlement options.” 

Highlighting the company's broader vision for supporting regional startups, Williams pointed to new partnerships aimed at empowering entrepreneurs. “Through initiatives like our partnership with platforms like Ignyte, we’re giving startups and growth-stage businesses the tools, guidance, and global exposure they need to thrive. This isn’t just about payments; it’s about building a support system that helps SMEs succeed across borders.” 

Looking ahead, Williams sees several trends that could redefine digital commerce in the Middle East and Africa, pointing to entrepreneurial mobility as one of the most underestimated forces shaping the future. “One of the most overlooked trends is the rise of entrepreneurial mobility, young founders building businesses that are born global," he explained. "They don’t see borders; they see opportunity. We’re enabling that mindset by building a payment ecosystem that’s as mobile, agile, and borderless as they are.” 

Williams also highlighted the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital trust as another transformational shift. “Another underestimated force is the convergence of AI and trust," he said. "As generative AI transforms the way we shop, interact, and make decisions, we’re investing in AI-driven tools that enhance personalization, fraud prevention, and smart commerce experiences.” 

Looking to the future, Williams sees emerging technologies playing a key role in reshaping the financial landscape. “Digital identity and Web3 will redefine how people access financial services, especially in underserved markets," he said. "That’s where we’re going next. PayPal is not just reacting to these trends; we’re shaping the infrastructure to support them. Our role is to ensure the future of commerce is inclusive, intuitive, and truly global.” 

Pictured in the lead image is a scene from the launch of PayPal's new hub in Dubai. Image courtesy PayPal.