PayPal Partners With DIFC’s Ignyte to Support UAE Startups

Global payment gateway PayPal has partnered with Ignyte, a digital platform powered by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), to support startups and small businesses in the UAE, thereby contributing to the country’s efforts to develop its entrepreneurial sector.  

The Ignyte initiative, which was launched by the DIFC in October 2024, aims to support 100,000 startups and provide them with the resources and network needed to help businesses scale internationally.  

As a founding partner of Ignyte, PayPal will help startups and SMBs manage payments smoothly, allowing them to operate across borders and grow in the digital economy. 

In a statement, Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Regional Head and General Manager, Middle East and Africa at PayPal, said, "The UAE is rapidly cementing its status as a global tech powerhouse, driven by innovation, ambition, and a world-class business ecosystem. At PayPal, we're committed to turbocharging startups and SMBs, empowering them to thrive in today’s digital economy. Our partnership with Ignyte reflects this commitment, helping entrepreneurs in the UAE and beyond seamlessly scale their businesses across borders. By combining PayPal’s world-class cross-border payment solutions with Ignyte’s dynamic ecosystem, we’re unlocking new pathways for growth, investment, and success." 

Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub, added, “Dubai is fast becoming a global epicenter for entrepreneurship and digital innovation. Ignyte is at the heart of this transformation, and our collaboration with PayPal strengthens our ability to provide startups with the essential tools they need to grow, attract investment, and compete on the global stage. Together, we are fostering an ecosystem where bold ideas meet boundless opportunities.” 

Pictured in the lead image is PayPal's Otto Williams with DIFC's Mohammad Alblooshi. Image courtesy DIFC.