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- Revolut Gears Up For UAE Launch; Lebanon Bets On Central Bank Recovery; Kayali Steps Into Humanitarian Aid
Revolut Gears Up For UAE Launch; Lebanon Bets On Central Bank Recovery; Kayali Steps Into Humanitarian Aid
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Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Happy Wednesday everyone!
In Dubai, global fintech giant Revolut is accelerating senior hiring as it prepares for a closely watched UAE launch, underscoring the country’s pull as a financial hub. In Lebanon, the government is signaling renewed confidence in the central bank’s ability to support a long-delayed depositor recovery plan, a critical step in rebuilding trust after years of crisis. Meanwhile, in the private sector, fragrance brand Kayali is launching its first-ever charitable initiative, committing $250,000 to medical relief efforts in Sudan — highlighting how regional brands are increasingly pairing growth with purpose.
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Revolut Accelerates UAE Hiring Ahead Of Anticipated Market Launch
What’s it About?
Revolut is ramping up hiring in the UAE as it prepares to launch locally, building its regional base at DIFC’s Convention Tower. UAE CEO Ambareen Musa has announced a major recruitment drive across senior compliance, risk, legal, growth, and marketing roles.
Why it Matters?
The hiring push underscores Revolut’s commitment to meeting UAE regulatory standards as it seeks a full Central Bank license following in-principle approval in September 2025. A strong compliance and risk focus reflects rising fraud risks and the region’s complex regulatory environment.
What’s Next?
Revolut remains in “day zero build mode,” prioritizing governance, licensing, and team assembly before launch. Once approved, it plans to roll out multi-currency accounts, transfers, and digital tools tailored to the UAE, using the country as a springboard for wider GCC expansion.
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Lebanon Says Central Bank Can Support Depositor Repayments Under Recovery Plan
What’s it About?
Lebanon’s economy minister Amer Bisat told Bloomberg TV the central bank has sufficient assets to support a recovery plan aimed at repaying most depositors, including large account holders. The plan allows claims of up to $100,000 over four years, with excess funds converted into bonds.
Why it Matters?
The proposal is a key step toward restoring confidence after years of financial collapse and a 2020 sovereign default. Officials say losses will be shared among the central bank, banks, depositors, and the state, without selling Lebanon’s $40 billion gold reserves.
What’s Next?
Parliament must still approve the draft law, while talks with the IMF and bondholders continue. The government is cautiously optimistic progress can be made in coming months, as negotiations resume under a new, reform-focused administration.
Kayali Launches First-Ever Charity Initiative With $250,000 Sudan Aid Donation
What’s it About?
Kayali, the fragrance brand founded by Huda Kattan and Mona Kattan, has donated $250,000 to Doctors Without Borders to support emergency medical operations in Sudan. The contribution marks the launch of “Kayali Cares,” the brand’s first formal philanthropic initiative.
Why it Matters?
Sudan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions in need of urgent medical care. Kayali said the donation reflects a decision to pair visibility with action, supporting frontline Doctors Without Borders teams delivering lifesaving treatment in some of the country’s hardest-hit areas.
What’s Next?
Kayali Cares signals a longer-term commitment to humanitarian causes, moving beyond one-off gestures. The partnership underscores a growing trend of beauty brands using their global reach and resources to support credible aid organizations responding to large-scale global crises.
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