PayPal’s Suzan Kereere on Building a More Inclusive Digital Economy from Dubai
With a new regional hub in Dubai, PayPal sets its sights on transforming digital commerce across the Middle East—fueling innovation, empowering startups, and championing financial inclusion at scale.
As PayPal opens its new regional hub in Dubai, the Global Markets President shares how the company is tapping into the Middle East’s digital transformation to drive innovation, partnerships, and financial inclusion across emerging market
In a region experiencing one of the world’s fastest digital transformations, global payments leader PayPal is planting deeper roots. With the launch of its new regional hub in Dubai, the company is not only expanding its geographic footprint—it’s advancing a bold vision for inclusive, connected commerce across the Middle East and beyond.
At the center of this strategic move is Suzan Kereere, President of Global Markets at PayPal. In an exclusive interview, she shares how Dubai’s rising prominence as a tech and fintech epicenter aligns with PayPal’s global strategy, and how the company plans to empower startups, scale enterprises, and boost financial access in underserved communities.
“Our new regional hub in Dubai isn’t just symbolic, it’s strategic,” says Kereere. “It places us closer to our customers and partners, enabling us to co-create in real-time, accelerate innovation, and tailor our offerings to the region’s unique needs.”
A Global Strategy Anchored in Dubai
The opening of PayPal’s Dubai office marks a significant chapter in the company’s Global Markets strategy. It extends PayPal’s reach to over 80 countries from one of the world’s most dynamic crossroads—a region home to 1.9 billion people and a $200 billion digital payments market.
The timing couldn’t be more fitting. The Middle East is seeing rapid digital adoption, bolstered by government-led infrastructure investment, a thriving startup scene, and consumers eager for seamless digital experiences.
“The Middle East is undergoing an extraordinary digital transformation,” says Kereere. “We see this region as a leading force in shaping the future of digital commerce.”
Enabling Growth in E-commerce and Fintech
PayPal’s entry comes at a time when the region is booming in sectors like fintech and e-commerce. The company aims to be more than just a service provider—it wants to be a growth partner.
Whether it’s enabling frictionless checkout for online retailers, or helping gig economy workers access fast, secure payouts, PayPal is committed to making cross-border commerce easier and more accessible.
“We’re doubling down on partnerships in fintech, commerce, and financial services to ensure seamless connectivity into the global digital economy,” Kereere explains.
Powering Local Innovation through Strategic Partnerships
From banks to telecoms and fintech startups, PayPal is building a collaborative ecosystem designed to amplify local innovation. Through its investment arm, PayPal Ventures, the company has already made strategic moves—such as backing Tabby, a leading UAE-based Buy Now, Pay Later platform.
“Partnership is our superpower,” Kereere notes. “These investments allow us to learn from local innovators and amplify their reach using our infrastructure.”
This approach extends to strategic alliances with platforms like Ignyte, which support thousands of regional startups in scaling globally from day one.
Supporting Small Businesses and Driving Digital Transformation
While PayPal offers sophisticated tools for large enterprises to scale internationally, it’s equally focused on small businesses and startups navigating the digital shift.
From simplifying multi-currency settlements to opening access to new markets, PayPal is helping SMEs embrace digital transformation without the burden of complexity.
“Our aim is to level the playing field,” says Kereere. “We simplify the complexities of commerce and give businesses—large and small—the tools to grow globally.”
Building Trust and Inclusion in the Digital Economy
In a region where financial inclusion remains a challenge for millions, PayPal is placing inclusive growth at the core of its mission. With initiatives like wallet-to-wallet transfers via partners like TerraPay, the company is helping bring unbanked and underbanked communities into the formal digital economy.
“Inclusion isn’t a metric for us. It’s a mindset,” Kereere asserts. “We are building an ecosystem where every transaction, regardless of size or origin, is backed by the trust with which PayPal is synonymous.”
Looking Ahead
With its new regional hub in Dubai, PayPal is poised to become a powerful force in shaping the digital economy of the Middle East and neighboring regions. By focusing on innovation, collaboration, and inclusion, the company is creating pathways for growth and opportunity—one transaction at a time.
“This is just the beginning,” Kereere concludes. “The region is brimming with potential, and PayPal is here to help unlock it.”
Manish Singh is an entrepreneur, media innovator, and the visionary founder behind a growing portfolio of global magazines, including Middle East Magazine. With a passion for storytelling that inspires and informs, Manish has built a reputation for elevating voices across business, culture, luxury, and leadership landscapes.
