Revolut might reportedly be entering the UAE as early as Q1 2026, marking its second non-European market after Mexico. The company has ramped up hiring and team operations, with future plans for additional banking licences in international markets including the US.
Revolut is reportedly moving closer to launching its full operations in the United Arab Emirates, with several indicators suggesting the company is entering the final phase of preparations. Sources tracking the company note that the team for the UAE market has largely been assembled, with numerous job postings in compliance, engineering, and operations pointing to readiness. Observers point to regulatory milestones already achieved, alongside local infrastructure and team build-out, as evidence that a launch could happen as early as the first quarter of 2026.
Revolut received in-principle approval from the Central Bank of the UAE for a Stored Value Facilities licence and a Retail Payment Services (Category II) licence valid for digital wallet and payments services in the country in September 2025. By rough expert estimations, the following compliance checks, AML/technology checks, local infrastructure setup, and final licence issuance might take about half a year, so along with corporate HR indicators, UAE launch might be getting nearer. At the same time, the potential launch time has not been yet officially confirmed by the fintech company itself.
The UAE will become Revolut’s second non-European market, following its official banking launch in Mexico. Revolut entered Mexico with a full banking licence in early 2026, offering retail banking and payments services to a growing customer base. That launch marked the company’s first fully regulated foray outside Europe and provided a blueprint for subsequent expansions into other international markets.
Looking ahead, Revolut has publicly indicated plans to secure additional banking licences in other non-European countries, with South Africa and India among the potential targets. These future expansions aim to extend its digital banking, payments, and fintech offerings across regions with large populations and increasing digital adoption. While official timelines for these markets remain unconfirmed, licensing efforts and regulatory engagement have been reported as ongoing.
Some industry coverage from 2024 noted that Revolut’s expansion planning in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region was aimed not only at the UAE but also Saudi Arabia. However, the firm has not proceeded with those intentions so far. Revolut did not submitt a licence application to Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and there is no confirmed rollout roadmap or regulatory milestone yet.
Meanwhile, in the United States, Revolut is planning to apply for a direct banking charter, enabling it to operate with full regulatory oversight. The company has been gradually building out its US operations, focusing on compliance, infrastructure, and customer onboarding, though a full public launch under standalone license in the country is still pending.
