MNT-Halan, the Egyptian fintech unicorn has achieved a new milestone in its Middle East expansion as it lands in the UAE.
Underserved communities and businesses will now be able to benefit from a variety of accessible financial solutions by MNT-Halan. The first offering to launch in the UAE is Halan Advance, a fast, secure, and user-friendly salary financing solution, with additional services from its ecosystem set to follow.
Mounir Nakhla, chairman and CEO of MNT-Halan said: “The GCC is a powerful hub for financial innovation, and launching in the UAE marks a significant step in our regional expansion. With a GDP exceeding $500billion and a diverse, fast-growing population, the UAE is a pivotal market to advance financial inclusion and transform lives.”
MNT-Halan’s entry into the UAE underscores its commitment to sharing its deep understanding of underbanked markets, and compliance with CBUAE regulations, and is consequently, well-positioned to introduce a range of solutions designed to enhance financial inclusion in the UAE.
All the while, it is aiming to improve cash flow management and drive economic empowerment. Following successful operations in Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan, the UAE is the latest market addition to the company’s vision for growth in the GCC and beyond.
Entry into the UAE
The UAE has long been a strategic priority for MNT-Halan. Currently, there are over 3.7 million underbanked expatriates in the UAE, earning a combined monthly income of over AED 10 billion. These individuals face challenges accessing traditional banking services, creating a substantial opportunity to introduce tailored solutions across credit, payments, and investments.
Among MNT-Halan’s product offerings, Halan Advance provides a seamless salary financing option, empowering employees and businesses alike. It offers companies a credible financial tool for their workforce while providing employees with fast, secure, and compliant access to salary advances through a fully digital platform.
The group is backed by international investors, including Abu Dhabi sovereign fund, Lunate. Since establishing its presence in the UAE in April 2024, Halan UAE has secured partnerships with leading employers and has already acquired over 40,000 customers, with plans to reach 250,000 by the end of 2025.
Omar Ramadan, managing director of Halan GCC added: “Since we launched Halan Advance, we’ve been thrilled with the fast uptake and the positive feedback from businesses and employees alike. This is just the beginning of what we plan to deliver in the UAE—innovative, accessible solutions that empower individuals and businesses.”
