The fintech market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has expanded at a rapid pace. O

ver the last few years, the number of fintech companies has risen to more than 1,000, three unicorns have emerged, with many more being in the pipeline as capital continue to flow into the market.

Between 2020 and 2023, fintech funding in MENA jumped by an impressive 650% increase, emerging as the region’s top investment area. In 2023 and 2024 alone, fintech funding in MENA totaled nearly US$2 billion, according to Magnitt, a venture capital (VC) data platform specializing in the region.

Yet, this growth is still in its early stages. Fintech revenues in the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) currently account for only 1% to 2% of banking sector revenues, compared to 3% to 5% in the US and the UK. McKinsey and Company expects MENA to become the fastest-growing fintech region globally, with net revenues rising 35% annually through 2028, more than double the global average of 15%.

This momentum is drawing both local and international event organizers to the region. These organizations are selecting major hubs such as Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha to host flagship fintech gatherings, attracting thousands of industry stakeholders each year to discuss emerging opportunities and pressing challenges.

Today, we look at the most prominent fintech events scheduled to take place across the Middle East in Q4 2025. These events are set to attract leading industry stakeholders and will explore key themes including artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, cybersecurity, and digital assets.

September 22-25, 2025

Four Seasons Hotel, Amman, Jordan

The Jordan Fintech Festival will take place from September 22 to 25, 2025 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Amman. Held by the Central Bank of Jordan in cooperation with the Arab Monetary Fund, the festival aims to exchange and share expertise in the field of fintech between central banks, international bodies, and financial sector stakeholders in Arab countries, and to strengthen partnerships.

The Jordan Fintech Festival’s program will cover a wide range of topics and themes, focusing on the most prominent future trends in modern fintech innovations, such as digital payments and digital transformation in the financial and banking sector, open financial services, and cybersecurity, in addition to highlighting the most prominent trends related to virtual assets and asset tokenization.

Speakers will include:

• Nameer Khan, Chairman, Mena Fintech Association;
• Maha Al Sadi, Head of Regulatory Affairs Financial Services Sector, Qatar Financial Centre;
• Hakan Eroglu, Advisor for Technology and Innovation, Bank for International Settlements Innovation Hub, Hong Kong;
• Latifa Al Mutawa, AGM, Bahrain Credit Reference Bureau, The BENEFIT Company;
• Iota Nassr, Senior Policy Advisor, OECD;
• Dr.Nouran Yousef, Monetary Affairs and Financial Sector Division, Acting Manager, Arab Monetary Fund;
• Anatoly Jing Gusto, Bank Officer, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas;
• Sandip Wadji, Managing Director and Global Head of Emerging Technology Risks, BNP Paribas;
• Serena Sebastiani, Director of Strategy & Operations, Fintech, PWC;
• Omar Saleh, CEO & Co-founder, Khazna;
• David Rutter, Founder, R3;
• Mario Makary, Vice President, Cluster Manager, Levant, Visa; and
• Alaa AL Rousan, Head of Middle East and North Africa, Swift.

Jordan Financial Expo and Awards

September 23-24, 2025

Movenpick Hotel, Amman, Jordan

The Jordan Financial Expo and Awards (JFEX), held on September 23 and 24 2025 at the Movenpick Hotel in Amman, will bring together government bodies, private corporations, institutional traders, and fintech innovators, offering unparalleled networking opportunities, insightful panel discussions, and cutting-edge workshops.

The exhibition hall will feature a diverse range of financial products, services, and technologies. Panel discussions and workshops will deliver insights on the latest market trends, investment opportunities, and regulatory developments shaping the industry. Finally, pitch sessions will give startups and innovators the chance to present ideas and solutions to potential investors and partners.

Attendees will get to gain valuable market insights into trends, investment prospects, and regulatory shifts, expand their professional network by connecting with industry peers, investors, and global thought leaders, and explore partnerships with leading financial institutions, investment firms, and fintech startups to drive innovation and growth.

Speakers will include:

• Amro Abdu, CEO, MADARIK;
• Muamar Magam, Managing Partner, Quintus LTC;
• Yasser Mansour, Senior Partner Relationship Manager, Just Markets;
• Dr. Marwa Salah, Founder and CEO, The Marwa Salah Foundation For Information Technology And Artificial Intelligence;
• Jörgen Ringman, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer, Water150 by Longhouse Foundation;
• Dr. Khaldoun Nusair, Chairman, Afaq Group;
• Elias Ahonen, CEO, Roqqu Europe;
• Dr.Mazen Bustanji, Capital Market Inspector Jordan Securities Commission; and
• Bilal Sharqawi, Client Relationship Manager, Just Markets.

Key topics will include the metaverse and digital assets, regulations, stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), digital identity, and AI.

S350Talks. Fintech KSA’25

September 25, 2025

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

S350Talks. FinTech KSA’25 will take place on September 25, 2025 in Riyadh. The conference is designed to bring together professionals from the fintech sector to discuss the current state and future of fintech in Saudi Arabia and internationally.

The event is organized in line with Saudi Arabia’s Fintech Strategy and the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to position Riyadh as a regional and global centre for financial innovation. It will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, business networking and showcasing new technologies.

The program will include keynote presentations, panel discussions and regulatory updates. Representatives from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) will outline recent regulatory developments, including the operation of the Regulatory Sandbox. An exhibition area will feature fintech and insurtech solutions from regional and international companies.

Key topics to be covered include blockchain, digital currencies, exchanges, contactless and mobile payments, online and mobile banking, peer-to-peer (P2P) payment applications, and digital financial advisory services.

The conference expects 20 speakers from fintech companies, banks and insurance providers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Europe, the USA, and other countries, as well as more than 150 attendees. Alongside the main sessions, the event will host networking activities and the Fintech Awards Gulf Ceremony.

FinXtex Middle East 2025

October 05-09, 2025

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates

FinXtex Middle East 2025 will take place from October 05 to 09 across Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, bringing together a curated cohort of international fintech companies and investors on a five-day immersive journey through Doha, Riyadh, and Dubai.

In each city, participants will engage in premium one-day fintech think-tanks, joined by regional regulators, financial institutions, and fintech leaders. These exclusive gatherings will spotlight each market’s distinct opportunities and strategic priorities, offering deep, focused engagement beyond superficial networking.

Themes of the trilogy will include payments, fraud prevention, regtech, cybersecurity, Islamic fintech, insurtech, digital assets and tokens, sandboxing, market validation and go-to-market strategies.

Speakers will include:

• Aditya Kumar Sinha, Qatar Financial Centre;
• Prasad Indraganti, CBQ;
• Ahmed Ben Abdallah, KPMG Qatar;
• Awdesh Chetal, Risin Ventures;
• Gaurav Sachchaeva, MENA Fintech Association, Qatar;
• Hani Idris, International Development Bank, IDB Group; and
• Dr. Nilay Ranjan Singh, State Bank of India (Dubai).

 

Fintech Forward 2025

October 08-09, 2025

Exhibition World Bahrain, Sakhir, Bahrain

Fintech Forward 2025 will take place on October 08 and 09, 2025 at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir. The two-day event, hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) and programmed by Economist Impact, will bring together industry leaders, investors, regulators, and fintech professionals from the Middle East and around the world to explore the evolving fintech landscape.

Held under the banner “The era of integration: the maturing age of fintech”, Fintech Forward 2025 will discuss trending themes, share insights, and exchange knowledge to further advance the industry. It will cover a wide range of topics related to the industry, including the shift from rapid growth to sustainable maturity, the emergence of embedded infrastructure and advanced technologies, the focus on trust, regulation, and integration over disruption, as well as the lasting and increased collaboration between regulators, sovereign investors, and traditional banks.

The event will include keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. It’s expected to attract around 1,500 attendees and feature 40 speakers.

Future Blockchain Summit x Fintech Surge 2025

October 12-15, 2025

Dubai Harbour, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Future Blockchain Summit x Fintech Surge 2025 will take place from October 12-25, at Dubai Harbour. The combined event will create four-day platform for discussions on blockchain, fintech, digital assets, and emerging financial technologies.

Future Blockchain Summit x Fintech Surge 2025 will bring together innovators, startups, investors, regulators, central banks, and financial institutions to explore the future of money and digital finance. It will feature 250+ global speakers, 150+ fintech exhibitors, over 500 investors and venture capitalists, and representation from more than 40 countries, providing access to more than 50 hours of content. Participants will attend keynotes, panel discussions, live product demonstrations, and startup pitch sessions designed to showcase emerging technologies and investment opportunities.

Special features will include Surge Talks, featuring visionary presentations and market-focused debates; Demo Day, where leading regional startups will present to global investors; an Investor Lounge for networking with venture capitalists (VCs) and strategic partners; and a Government and Regulatory Pavilion connecting attendees with financial authorities.

An exclusive highlight is the GITEX Digital Assets Forum, an invite-only session where regulators, central banks, financial institutions, and blockchain architects will discuss tokenized finance, CBDCs, cross-border compliance, AI in financial infrastructure, and institutional adoption of decentralized finance (DeFi) and digital assets.

Fintech Week Tel Aviv 2025

October 21-22, 2025

Herzog Tower, Tel Aviv, Israel

Fintech Week Tel Aviv 2025 will take place on October 21 and 22, at Herzog Tower in Tel Aviv. The two-day event will bring together fintech professionals, investors, regulators, and industry leaders to discuss innovation, market trends, and challenges in the fintech sector.

Fintech Week Tel Aviv 2025 will explore the latest developments in AI, embedded finance, real-time payments, Web3, and digital banking, with a focus on practical applications, regulatory considerations, and sustainable growth. It will examine how fintech is responding to global challenges such as inflation, workforce adjustments, and a more cautious investment environment, while highlighting the resilience and innovation of the Israeli fintech ecosystem.

Speakers will include:

• Michal Beinisch, Co-Founder and COO, Grain;
• Eyal Gafni, Co-CEO, One Zero;
• Or Liban, VP and Managing Director, Airwallex;
• Lilac Bar David, Co-Founder & CEO, Lili;
• Colin Goldstein, Chief Commercial Officer, iwoca;
• Danielle Shaul, Chief Technology Officer, Nilus;
• Tal Grinberg, Head of Banking Products, Unit;
• Rachely Miller, Head of Innovation, Discount Bank;
• Nadav Kostiner, Director of Business Development, Thunes;
• Dana Eli-Lorch, Co-Founder and General Partner, Vesey Ventures;
• Chen Markman, Co-founder and CEO, Avon.AI;
• Ariel Yosefi, Partner, Herzog;
• Tobias Moon, Partner, Chapman; and
• Lee Noyek, Legal Consultant, A&O Shearman.

Fintech Week Tel Aviv 2025 is expected to host over 1,200 attendees from more than 40 countries, featuring 150+ speakers and 60 sessions.

10DX Summit KSA 2025

October 28, 2025

Sheraton Riyadh Hotel and Tower, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

10DX Summit KSA 2025 will take place on October 28, at the Sheraton Riyadh Hotel and Tower in Riyadh. The summit will focuses on the digital transformation of Saudi Arabia’s banking sector, highlighting innovations in digital banking, AI, payments, cybersecurity, and fintech collaboration.

The event will host 100+ attendees, including representatives from 25+ banks and financial institutions, with approximately 60% C-suite participation, 20+ speakers, 15+ sponsors, and participants from 25+ countries.

Key sessions will include Vision 2030 and how reforms are reshaping priorities for banks, the implementation of open banking, and the impact of genAI on efficiency, customer experience, and regulatory compliance. Other topics will include the AI revolution, the future of payments, hyper-personalization, fintech-bank partnerships, and cyber resilience.

Speakers will include:

• Abdullah Alwabel, Head of Retail Digital Banking, BSF;
• Ahmed Darwish Alsayed, Head of Digital Delivery, Bank Albilad;
• Nabeel Wyne, Senior Director, Capgemini;
• Nada Al Jeffri, Chief Risk Officer, Standard Chartered Bank;
• Paul Sommerin, Partner, Middle East and Asia, Capco;
• Renier Lemmens, Board Chairman, TransferGo;
• Saad Ansari, Co-Founder and CEO, Xpence; and
• Uzairah Abdulhameed, Consultant, Cyber Security, Arab National Bank.

Fintech Revolution Summit Saudi Arabia 2025

November 03, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Fintech Revolution Summit Saudi Arabia 2025 will take place on November 03, at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Center in Riyadh. The summit will bring together fintech leaders, banking and financial services experts, investors, and innovators to discuss trends, regulatory developments, and investment opportunities shaping the fintech sector in Saudi Arabia.

Fintech Revolution Summit Saudi Arabia 2025 is expected to host 200+ pre-screened delegates, 30+ industry experts, representatives from 100+ organizations, and 25+ solution providers, offering over eight hours of networking opportunities. Participants will engage in one-on-one buyer meetings, keynote presentations, panel discussions, and product showcase exhibitions.

Key topics and themes will include the future of banking and how innovation is driving financial inclusion across Saudi Arabia’s financial services sector; modernizing banking systems and revolutionizing the marketplace with digital innovations; and building AI-powered banks to unlock smarter banking capabilities. Attendees will also examine the impact of open banking and open finance on Saudi Arabia’s financial landscape, and explore how cloud technologies are accelerating banking innovation.

Finnovex Middle East 2025

November 11-12, 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Finnovex Middle East 2025 will take place on November 11 and 12, in Dubai. The summit will bring together policymakers, regulators, banking leaders, central banks, fintech innovators, and technology providers to discuss the future of financial services in the Middle East and explore emerging opportunities in digital finance.

Finnovex Middle East 2025 will focus on the region’s transformation from traditional finance to digital-first ecosystems, driven by innovations in DeFi, open banking, digital currencies, AI, and hyper-personalized customer experiences. Participants will examine how financial institutions are adopting scalable, intelligent systems and embedding innovation across services while navigating evolving regulatory frameworks.

The summit will host over 50 speakers, 200+ senior VIP attendees, and feature 40+ sponsors, exhibitors, and partners, providing more than 15 hours of networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities. Attendees will engage in keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions designed to showcase the latest trends, technologies, and strategic insights.

Spotlight topics will include DeFi and digital assets, the GCC’s vision for a digital-first future and fintech transformation, AI-infused customer experiences and journey analytics, super apps and embedded finance models, digital identity and cross-border open finance, and next-generation wealthtech.

Speakers will include:

• Mohammed Wassim Khayata, Chief Executive Officer, Al Maryah Community Bank;
• Omar Abdalla Reda, Financial Expert Federal Debt Management, UAE Ministry of Finance;
• Jayesh Patel, Chief Executive Officer, WIO Bank;
• Masroor Batin, Chief Executive Officer, Santander Private Banking;
• Olivier Busolini, Group Chief Information Security Officer, Mashreq Bank;
• Amar Mehendale, Chief Operating Officer, HSBC;
• Srinivasan Sampath, Group Chief Information Officer, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB); and
• Ramkumar Balasubramaniam, Chief Financial Officer, Barclays.

Jeddah Fintech Week 2025

November 16-17, 2025

Hilton Hotel North Corniche Road, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah Fintech Week 2025 will take place on November 16 and 17, at the Hilton Hotel North Corniche Road in Jeddah. Held under the Patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Saif Al Islam Bin Saud Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the event aims to deliver a premier fintech summit in Saudi Arabia, bringing together global and local industry leaders, investors, innovators, and regulators to explore the future of fintech.

With a focus on driving innovation, fostering strategic collaboration, and accelerating fintech growth, Jeddah Fintech Week 2025 will serve as a global platform for transformative discussions, cutting-edge solutions, and groundbreaking advancements. The event will host over 7,000 visitors, 100+ exhibitors, 35+ sponsors, and 35 speakers.

Participants will have opportunities to attend keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and live demonstrations focused on emerging technologies, digital transformation, trading strategies, and AI in financial services.

Seamless Saudi Arabia 2025

November 17-19, 2025

Riyadh Front, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Seamless Saudi Arabia 2025 will take place on November 17 to 19, at Riyadh Front, providing a platform for digital commerce, next-generation payments, embedded finance, and banking solutions. The event will bring together retailers, online businesses, banks, financial institutions, regulators, technology providers, and logistics leaders to explore innovations shaping the digital economy.

Seamless Saudi Arabia 2025 will focus on connecting the full commerce value chain, from digital marketing and e-commerce platforms to in-store retail technology, omnichannel experiences, and payment solutions, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth. It will feature keynote panels on the impact of AI in payments, Saudi Arabia’s approach to digital commerce, and fintech trends in the 10th Machine Age.

The three-day program will provide insights across six dedicated tracks: the CMO Summit, the Retail Hub, the E-Commerce Arena, the Payments Grandstand, the Keynote Stage, and Start-Up Stories.

Speakers will include:

• Vikram Idnani, President and CIO, Landmark Group;
• Sanjeev Sharma, CEO, United Homeware Company;
• Anish Mohamed, Group CIO, Lulu Retail, UAE;
• Plama Spetsova, GM, Tech and Digital Commerce, Apparel Group;
• Elie Aramouni, Chief Transformation Officer, Cenomi Retail;
• Marwan Tayara, Chief E-commerce Officer, SACO;
• Ghofran Dhaini, GM, The Coca-Cola Company;
• Majed M. AlTahan, Co-founder & MD, Danube Online;
• Henry Amadiegwu, CIO, Zenith Bank (UK) Limited; and
• Taner Akcok, CIO, DWS, Deutsche Bank.

AML 360

November 20, 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

AML 360 will take place on November 20, 2025 in Dubai. The summit promises a premier platform for anti-money maundering (AML) and financial crime compliance in the Middle East, uniting regulators, banks, fintech leaders, and AML technology providers from across the GCC and MENA.

AML 360 will cover the full AML lifecycle, including detection and monitoring, AI-powered customer profiling, transaction analysis, risk scoring, sanctions screening, regulatory reporting, and identity verification. Attendees will gain practical insights into modern AML approaches, technology applications, and strategies for regulatory compliance.

The summit will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, case studies, and fireside chats exploring AI in risk assessment, fraud detection, compliance, and governance. Sessions will explore topics such as intelligent automation, continuous know-your-customer (KYC), and enhanced due diligence, predictive analytics, risk scoring, real-time transaction monitoring, and explainable AI for regulatory defense.

Speakers will include:

• Zsombor Brommer, Chief Compliance Officer, United Arab Bank;
• Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi, National Risk and Policy Director, NAMLCFTC;
• Sameena Ali, Associate Director, Sanctions Compliance, Standard Chartered Bank; and
• Christos Christou, Director – Compliance, Lulu Financial Holdings.

MENA Fintech and Insurtech Festival 2025

December 02-03, 2025

Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), Doha, Qatar

MENA Fintech and Insurtech Festival 2025, taking place on December 02 and 03, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), aims to provide a platform for innovation, collaboration, and transformation in financial and insurance technology. This year’s event will focus on “Driving the Future of Finance and Insurance: Innovation, Inclusion, and Sustainability”, bringing together industry professionals, innovators, regulators, and investors to explore trends, opportunities, and best practices in fintech and insurtech.

Participants will get to engage with thought leaders, policymakers, financial institutions, and technology providers through keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. They will also gain insights into emerging technologies, regulatory developments, and sustainable strategies shaping the future of finance and insurance in the MENA region.

Previous speakers and panelists of the MENA Fintech and Insurtech Festival have included:

• Sheikh Ahmed Bin Khalid Al-Thani, Assistant Governor for Financial Instruments and Payment Systems, Qatar Central Bank (QCB);
• H.E. Mr. Margus Tsahnka, Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Republic of Estonia;
• Erdem Çakar, Country Manager Qatar and Kuwait, Mastercard;
• Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Head of Product and Solutions, CEEMEA, Visa;
• Muhannad Ebwini, Founder and CEO, HyperPay;
• Dr. Jochen Biedermann, Managing Director, World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC);
• Hanane Sbai, Division Lead – Fintech and Digital Enablers Partnership, Mastercard;
• Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Board Member, Ooredoo Fintech;
• Maria Guseva, Director – Global Technology Innovation, Accenture; and
• Safarudheen Farook, CEO, Spendwisor.

Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025

December 08-11, 2025

Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025 will take place from December 08 to 11, on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, this year’s event will run under the theme “Engineering the Capital Network”, bringing together global financial leaders, investors, and innovators to shape the future of capital markets and investment ecosystems.

Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025 will feature over 60 events, including flagship forums covering investment, fintech, and the broader financial sector. Attendees will have opportunities to participate in high-level discussions on the growth of Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy, emerging global investment trends, and the future of financial technologies.

Key focus areas will include investment and capital market development, global fintech and fintech innovation, strategies for emerging economies and regional growth, and networking and collaboration among financial leaders, investors, and policymakers.

Speakers will include:

• H.E Mohamed  Hamad Al Mehairi, CEO, Emirates Investment Authority;
• Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, CEO & Executive Director, Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited;
• Ray Dalio, Founder & Mentor, Bridgewater Associates and Dalio Family Office;
• Stephen Dainton, President of Barclays Bank PLC and Head of Investment Bank Management, Barclays;
• Clare Woodman, CEO, International, Morgan Stanley;
• Mohamed Alabbar, Founder, Emaar and Noon;
• Harvey Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer, Carlyle; and
• Jennifer Johnson, President & CEO, Franklin Templeton.

Webrazzi Fintech 2025

December 10, 2025

Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent, Istanbul, Turkey

Webrazzi Fintech 2025, taking place on December 10 at the Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent, will focus on the changing financial needs of consumers and next generation financial technologies. The conference will discuss the development of banking, blockchain integration, open banking, digital payments, digital banks, financial applications of AI, and more.

Speakers will include:

• Bülent Tekmen Bülent Tekmen, Co-Founder and CEO, Colendi;
• Ceyda Ünal Ceyda Ünal, General Manager, BELBİM;
• Fevzi Güngör Fevzi Güngör, Founder and CEO, ÖdeAl;
• İdil Kesten İdil Kesten, Country Manager, Gemius;
• Mustafa Aydın Mustafa Aydın, Bilgi Sistemlerinden Sorumlu Başkan Yardımcısı, BDDK;
• Prof. Dr. Emre Alkin Prof. Dr. Emre Alkin, Ekonomist;
• Sinem Cantürk Sinem Cantürk, Fintech and Digital Finance Leader, KPMG Türkiye; and
• Ussal Şahbaz Ussal Şahbaz, Managing Partner, Ussal Danışmanlık.

 

Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Middle East, based on image by EyeEm via Freepik