By Staff Reporter
The United Arab Emirates has emerged as the leading country in Forbes Middle East’s annual Fintech 50 ranking, securing 15 places on the list, ahead of Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
The 2026 ranking features 50 financial technology companies from 10 countries that collectively processed more than $260 billion in transactions in 2025.
Saudi Arabia followed the UAE with 13 companies, while Egypt secured 10 places. Eighteen firms made their debut on the list, including UAE-based Network International, Astra Tech, Digit9 and PRYPCO.
Saudi-based Tabby retained the top position for the second consecutive year. The shopping and financial services platform processes more than $18 billion in annual transaction volume.
Egyptian electronic payments company Fawry ranked second, backed by 55.4 million monthly users as of June 2026. Fellow Egyptian fintech firm MNT-Halan came third after securing investment in June at a valuation of $1.4 billion.
MNT-Halan is also offering a 20 percent stake through an initial public offering on the Egyptian Exchange, with the offering scheduled to close by mid-October 2026.
UAE-based Network International, which provides digital payment and financial technology solutions, ranked fourth.
Forbes Middle East evaluated the companies based on external investment, transaction volumes, active users, consumer reach, geographical presence, innovation, growth and expansion over the past year.
The ranking excluded fintech businesses affiliated with exchange houses, telecommunications operators, traditional banks and government institutions.
The UAE’s strong representation highlights its growing role as a regional hub for financial technology, digital payments and fintech innovation.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
