Thunes Unlocks the Middle East: Six Markets, One Smart Superhighway

Thunes just made a big move. The company behind the Smart Superhighway for global money movement is now live in six new Middle East markets: Bahrain, Lebanon, Oman, South Yemen, Syria, and the UAE.

That means Members can push payouts straight into bank accounts, mobile wallets, and cash pickup points, all in local currency. Better still, they can plug in through direct API access or simply ride existing Swift rails.

In Bahrain, non-oil activity now drives most of the economy, and Thunes' bank payouts line up neatly with the country's digital push. Meanwhile, Oman is chasing its 2040 vision, and Thunes is helping fuel that momentum.

Over in the UAE, the story is about scale. As a regional payments hub, the UAE needs infrastructure that serves both everyday consumers and growing enterprises, and that's exactly what's now in place.

For Lebanon, South Yemen, and Syria, this expansion is personal. Remittances aren't just numbers; they're household income. Thunes now delivers mobile wallet access in Lebanon, cash and bank payouts in South Yemen, and cash pickup in Syria.

Backed by its SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, Thunes is proving that global reach and local trust can go hand in hand.

Bridging Continents: Thunes and Banque Saudi Fransi Unite for Financial Innovation

In an era where financial transactions increasingly transcend borders, the recent strategic alliance between Thunes and Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF) marks a significant development in the realm of international money transfers. Announced at SIBOS 2025, this collaboration aims to provide customers in Saudi Arabia with a seamless and efficient platform for sending money globally. The partnership represents a pivotal step in the evolution of Saudi Arabia's financial landscape, as it embraces modern technologies to enhance customer experiences.

The alliance will empower BSF consumers and businesses to transfer funds internationally with remarkable speed and security. By leveraging Thunes' Smart Superhighway technology, customers can benefit from real-time transactions that are both affordable and reliable. This initiative not only simplifies the process of sending money abroad but also signifies a broader commitment to innovation within the financial sector. As Majed Alsadhan, Chief Wholesale Banking Officer at BSF, rightly stated, this collaboration underscores the bank's dedication to combining trust with cutting-edge technology.

A New Era of Financial Accessibility

Moreover, the partnership will expand the reach of BSF account holders, allowing them to connect with accounts and wallets around the globe. This enhanced accessibility is crucial in a world that is increasingly interconnected, and it aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. By prioritizing digital transformation, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a competitive player in the global financial arena.

Simon Nelson, Chief Commercial Officer at Thunes, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating that it reshapes how money moves out of Saudi Arabia. With the integration of Thunes' Direct Global Network, BSF customers will experience a more streamlined, cost-effective method for remittances. This initiative not only reinforces Thunes' commitment to Saudi Arabia but also demonstrates the company's dedication to fostering strong relationships with local banks and fintechs. Ultimately, this alliance serves as a beacon of innovation, inclusion, and excellence, paving the way for a thriving digital economy in Saudi Arabia.

Revolutionizing Remittances: Thunes and Barq Join Forces in Saudi Arabia

In a significant advancement for the digital finance landscape, **Thunes**, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, has partnered with **barq**, the rapidly-growing digital wallet in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration heralds the launch of barq's enhanced remittance services, enabling millions of consumers in the Kingdom to transfer funds seamlessly across borders. Through Thunes' trusted Direct Global Network, barq customers can now send money instantly, with transactions delivered in real-time to billions of mobile wallets and bank accounts worldwide. This innovative service not only strengthens barq's position as a leading mobile wallet in the region but also showcases the potential of digital wallets in facilitating international remittances.

The significance of this launch cannot be overstated. It comes in the wake of the partnership formed between Thunes and barq in 2024, which aimed to provide growth, expanded reach, and a consistently reliable service to Saudi customers. The Saudi Arabian remittance market, recognized as one of the largest globally, is undergoing remarkable transformation, spurred by the country's ambitious Vision 2030 program aimed at digitizing payments. By merging barq's local expertise with Thunes' extensive international network, this alliance aims to offer a best-in-class service that meets the evolving needs of consumers.

Empowering Customers with Innovative Solutions

Thamer Alharbi, Director of International Partnerships at barq, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Our partnership with Thunes has moved from vision to reality." The successful launch of these remittance services empowers barq's customers with faster, more reliable transactions, enhancing the user experience and solidifying barq's role as the digital wallet of choice in Saudi Arabia. This initiative represents a critical step in the journey to deliver innovative and accessible financial services, with Thunes' trusted solutions playing a pivotal role in achieving this mission.

Furthermore, Ahmad Yaacoub, VP MENA and Country Head for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Thunes, remarked, "We are proud to see our partnership with barq delivering impact at scale." This launch not only reaffirms their commitment to providing efficient and customer-focused payment experiences but also supports Saudi Arabia's vision for a digital-first financial ecosystem. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic collaboration, Thunes and barq are poised to redefine the remittance landscape, making financial transactions simpler and more accessible for all consumers in the Kingdom.