Dubai, United Arab Emirates – October 2026: 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 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.
The authorization will allow Robinhood to offer access to trading and custody across all 10 DFSA-approved asset classes, including equities, crypto, ETFs and investment tokens.
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.”
A Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
This blog post includes forward-looking statements about Robinhood Markets, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Robinhood,” “we,” or the “Company”), including statements regarding our planned expansion into the United Arab Emirates and our anticipated 2027 product launch. These statements are based on current assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including regulatory developments, market demand, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. More information about potential risks and uncertainties that could affect our business can be found in the “Risk Factors” section in Part I, Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements in this blog post are made as of the date of this blog post, [October 22, 2026], and we assume no obligation to update them, except as required by law.
Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOD) is a global leader in financial services offering retail brokerage, crypto, advisory, digital banking services, and private markets access to a new generation of investors. Additional information about Robinhood can be found at http://www.robinhood.com.
About Dubai International Financial Centre:
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the world’s most advanced financial centre, shaping the global financial landscape and cementing Dubai’s reputation as a leading business destination across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA).
As the region’s only financial centre operating at scale across all sectors, DIFC is home to 10,018 active firms. These include 1,134 regulated firms, among them are 327 banks and capital markets firms, 71 brokerage entities, 165 insurance and (re)insurance companies and 592 Wealth and Asset Management firms (including over 100 hedge fund managers). Home to 1,933 AI, FinTech and innovation firms, DIFC sets the benchmark for financial innovation and is a top five ranked FinTech hub across the world.
Underpinned by a trusted, world-class legal and regulatory framework, including the region’s most utilised commercial courts, DIFC ensures efficient governance and reinforces Dubai’s leadership in the digital economy. Connecting 50,200 professionals, it offers the region’s deepest pool of financial talent, serving as the gateway to MEASA for all financial players.
Beyond business, DIFC provides the complete urban experience with world-class lifestyle amenities, establishing it as a highly sought-after destination. The 17.7mn sq. ft. DIFC Zabeel District expansion which provides capacity for over 42,000 companies and a workforce of more than 125,000, DIFC is solidifying Dubai’s position as a top four global financial centre. The new District will also include premium Grade A commercial office space, over 1mn sq. ft. allocated to future technologies including the world’s largest Innovation Hub and world’s first purpose-built AI Campus, an expanded academy, residential buildings, hotels, a conference centre, and a range of retail, dining, and cultural offerings, including the Museum of Digital Art, the region’s first museum dedicated to digital art and new technologies.
Anchored in integrity, DIFC is the platform for success, driving the future of finance.
