Thunes Expands Real-Time Cross-Border Payments to Saudi Arabia
London, UK and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 15 September 2025 – Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, has announced the rollout of real-time cross-border payments into Saudi Arabia. Through its Direct Global Network, Thunes’ Members can now deliver instant payouts directly to bank accounts and wallets in the Kingdom in Saudi Riyals (SAR), streamlining transactions for both individuals and businesses.
The move comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates its financial sector transformation under Vision 2030, with rising demand for fast and transparent cross-border payments. According to industry data*, the value of money received into the Kingdom is expected to reach US $232 billion in 2025, reflecting strong growth in transaction volume and digital adoption.
Research from Thunes’ 2025 Report: Money Without Borders highlights that 65% of expatriates view transaction speed as the most critical factor when choosing how to send funds. By connecting directly with the Saudi banking network, Thunes’ delivers faster, more cost-efficient, and more transparent transfers compared to traditional payment methods.
The rollout enables overseas businesses managing Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage campaigns to pay fees into the Kingdom seamlessly and securely, ensuring faster settlement and a smoother experience for pilgrims.
“Saudi Arabia’s financial sector is undergoing a rapid digital shift, and demand for faster, reliable cross-border payments has never been higher. Our launch of real-time payments into the Kingdom gives our Members the tools to meet these expectations and better serve both consumers and businesses.”
Ahmad Yaacoub, VP MENA and Country Head for Saudi Arabia at Thunes
“Speed is now a necessity in cross-border payments. Our real-time direct payout capability in Saudi Arabia equips our Members to deliver instant, secure, and transparent transfers into one of the Middle East’s most dynamic and rapidly-growing economies.”
Aik Boon Tan, Chief Network Officer at Thunes
With this launch, Thunes strengthens its leadership in real-time cross-border payments and supports greater financial inclusion, enabling millions to participate more fully and easily in the global economy.
Thunes is exhibiting and speaking at the inaugural Money 2020 Middle East taking place in Riyadh from September 15 – 17, 2025. Contact us to arrange a meeting.
* Trading Economics and Statista reports on the value of inward remittances and trade.
Contact:
Amelia Fairbairn, Headland, thunes@headlandconsultancy.com
Anna Birdsall-Strong, Director of Brand and Public Relations, anna.birdsall@thunes.com
About Thunes:
Thunes is the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world. Thunes’ proprietary Direct Global Network allows Members to make payments in real-time in over 130 countries and more than 80 currencies. Thunes’ Network connects directly to over 7 billion mobile wallets and bank accounts worldwide, as well as 15 billion cards via more than 320 different payment methods, such as GCash, M-Pesa, Airtel, MTN, Orange, JazzCash, Easypaisa, AliPay, WeChat Pay and many more. Thunes’ Direct Global Network differentiates itself through its worldwide reach, in-house SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, ensuring Members of the Network receive unrivaled speed, control, visibility, protection, and cost efficiencies when making real-time payments, globally. Members of Thunes’ Direct Global Network include gig economy giants like Uber and Deliveroo, super-apps like Grab and WeChat, MTOs, fintechs, PSPs and banks. Headquartered in Singapore, Thunes has offices in 14 locations, including Atlanta, Barcelona, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Manila, Nairobi, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco and Shanghai. For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/
