Thunes, a Singapore-based payment firm, announced Tuesday that First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s Global bank, has chosen Thunes as its provider to enable global mobile wallet payouts through its Direct Global Network.
Thunes said in a statement that this strategic collaboration represents a significant milestone in enhancing cross-border payment capabilities from the UAE to global corridors.
Once the solution is fully integrated and implemented, FAB customers will be able to send real-time payments across more than 130 countries, providing clients with transparent, efficient, and accessible international payment solutions.
This partnership aligns with the ambitions of landmark national initiatives such as “We the UAE 2031” and the “Central Bank’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT)” program, which promotes a dynamic environment for digital innovation, interoperability, and financial inclusion.
“FAB joining our Direct Global Network is a clear vote of confidence in Thunes’ ability to deliver global interoperability at scale,
“Together, we are making cross-border payments faster, and easier for everyone,” said Simon Nelson, Chief Commercial Officer at Thunes.
According to the statement, the collaboration between FAB and Thunes reflects a shared commitment to expanding seamless access to next-generation payment channels globally, placing them at the forefront of cross-border innovation.
Through this collaboration, the two organizations are enabling a modern cross-border payment experience in the UAE characterized by speed, scalability, and customer-centricity.
Last Thursday, Thunes also announced a new collaboration with Mashreq, a financial institution in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, to launch real-time mobile wallet payouts for Mashreq customers.
Powered by Thunes’ Direct Global Network, the partnership will enable Mashreq to connect directly to mobile wallets across Asia, Africa, and Europe and deliver faster, more affordable international transfers across key growth markets.
As Mashreq continues to expand across the Middle East and North Africa, this alliance marks a major step in transforming cross-border payments.
Initially covering the bank’s top 30 payment corridors, the service will extend to additional countries over time.
Together, Thunes and Mashreq are advancing digital banking innovation and making global money movement more seamless and inclusive.
As the world’s second-largest remittance hub, the UAE is expected to process $47 billion in outward flows in 2025, a figure which is set to grow by 4.7 percent annually.
By joining forces with Thunes, Mashreq is supporting this growth and paving the way for fast, transparent, and efficient cross-border payments.
“By expanding our reach to mobile wallets through Thunes’ Direct Global Network, we’re empowering millions of people to send funds to around 45 new destinations instantly and more affordably than ever before,
“With mobile wallet users projected to exceed five billion globally in the next few years, this capability is critical to serving our customers in key growth markets and driving greater financial connectivity. We are redefining what’s possible in international payments, and Mashreq is proud to be leading this transformation,” said Kartik Taneja, Head of Payments & Consumer Lending at Mashreq.
Nelson also highlighted this alliance further strengthens the firm’s position in the Middle East, amplifying its aim to enable more consumers to take part in the global economy through instant, borderless payments.
“Trusted by leading banks and financial institutions worldwide, Thunes provides the secure and reliable Network needed to move money with confidence,
“Together with Mashreq, we’re enabling a new wave of payment innovation and connectivity that will reshape how money moves worldwide,” he added.
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