Robinhood now in UAE to offer crypto retail investment services

Robinhood has received authorization from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to introduce its retail investing platform in the Middle East from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), marking a key milestone in its international expansion. The company built its U.S. business around mobile access to stock trading, attracting a large audience of younger retail investors.

Its expansion has since moved through several international markets, beginning with the United Kingdom in 2024 and followed by broader European Union operations in 2025. In April 2026, Robinhood also secured in-principle approval to provide brokerage services in Singapore.

As per the announcement, Robinhood has received authorization from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to provide trading and custody services across 10 asset classes. These include stocks, cryptocurrencies, exchange-traded funds, and investment tokens, with operations based in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

“The DIFC is one of the world’s most important financial hubs, and our expansion there brings us closer to building a global platform that enables anyone, anywhere to own the highest quality financial assets,” said Vlad Tenev, Chairman and CEO of Robinhood.

Robinhood plans to launch its product suite in 2027, giving local investors expanded access to the global economy.

“The DIFC has quickly become one of the world’s most dynamic centers for financial innovation, situated at the heart of a rapidly growing wave of retail investors across the MENA region,” said Johann Kerbrat, SVP and GM of Robinhood Crypto and International. “We are excited to deliver the modern, accessible financial tools these investors deserve.”

“Robinhood’s decision to establish its regional headquarters in DIFC reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for financial innovation and reflects the growing demand for accessible, technology-driven investment services across the Middle East,” His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said, commenting on behalf of DIFC. “The arrival of one of the world’s most recognised retail investment platforms further strengthens DIFC’s ecosystem and reflects the calibre of international firms choosing Dubai as a base for regional expansion. With its proven ability to broaden participation in financial markets, Robinhood is well positioned to contribute to the continued development of the region’s investment landscape and to connect a new generation of investors with opportunities across global markets.”

Robinhood’s operations will be based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and led by Salah Kaddoura, Senior Executive Officer and President of Robinhood MENA. Kaddoura brings deep fintech and investment expertise from across the MENA region and will oversee our expanding local team.

“The demand for modern, accessible financial tools across this region is immense,” said Salah Kaddoura, Senior Executive Officer and President of Robinhood MENA. “From our new home in Dubai’s premier financial hub, we’re looking forward to building Robinhood’s regional presence and expanding access to the global financial ecosystem for a new generation of investors.”