Robinhood receives Dubai approval for Middle East expansion

Robinhood received authorization from the Dubai Financial Services Authority on October 22, 2026, to operate its retail investing platform from the Dubai International Financial Centre. The approval covers trading and custody across all 10 asset classes permitted by the regulator, including equities, crypto, exchange-traded funds and investment tokens. Robinhood plans to introduce the service in the region in 2027, with Salah Kaddoura leading its local operations.

The authorization gives Robinhood a regulated base from which to pursue Middle East operations, while the planned 2027 launch means revenue and customer benefits are not immediate. Robinhood's stated expansion plan remains subject to regulatory developments and market demand.

  • 1The Dubai Financial Services Authority authorized Robinhood to offer its retail investment platform from the Dubai International Financial Centre.
  • 2The approval covers trading and custody across all 10 asset classes approved by the regulator.
  • 3Robinhood plans to launch its regional product suite in 2027.
  • 4Salah Kaddoura will serve as senior executive officer and president of Robinhood MENA.

Sources