Robinhood Moves Toward MENA Expansion with Dubai DFSA License Application

Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOD), a well-known US-based financial services platform, is preparing to expand into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by establishing operations in Dubai. According to industry sources, the company has already begun laying the groundwork for its new presence and is expected to make a formal announcement in the coming weeks.

DFSA License Application in Progress

To operate within Dubai‘s financial hub, Robinhood has reportedly applied for a Category 4 license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). If approved, the license would permit Robinhood to offer its services to clients in the UAE and across the MENA region, with operations based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) — the emirate’s well-established special economic zone for financial institutions.

Experienced Industry Executive Joins Robinhood MENA

Supporting this move, Robinhood has appointed Mario Camara as Senior Executive Officer for the new MENA division. Camara brings extensive regional experience, having spent six years at Equiti Group as Senior Vice President of Licensing & Government Relations, and two years at Saxo Bank in Dubai, where he served as Senior Executive Officer for the DIFC and Managing Director for the MENA region.

Expansion Beyond the US and Europe

While Robinhoods international growth has recently focused on the UK and EU markets, the MENA expansion signals a broader global strategy. In Europe, the company has introduced new offerings such as US stock and ETF tokens, perpetual futures, and launched its Legend desktop platform in the UK. Robinhood also entered European football sponsorship, becoming the front-of-shirt sponsor for Ligue 1 club OGC Nice.

Late last year, the firm unveiled plans for Asia, with Singapore set as its regional headquarters. Now, with concrete steps being taken in Dubai, the MENA rollout appears to be gaining momentum — possibly at a faster pace than in other regions.