DUBAI, Jan 26, 2026 (GDM) — Payments giant Visa on Monday announced the creation of a new regional structure covering the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar, as it moves to accelerate digital payments growth across key Gulf markets.
The new region will sit within Visa’s Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) operations and bring the three countries under a dedicated leadership framework, the company said.
Visa also appointed Fadi Moukaddem as senior vice president and group country manager for the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar. He will oversee strategy, partnerships and operations across the three markets.
Moukaddem joined Visa in 2014 and most recently served as regional chief financial officer for CEMEA, covering 87 markets. He previously held senior roles at PepsiCo International and Nokia Networks.
Visa said the move reflects its long-standing presence in the Gulf and aims to strengthen local partnerships, accelerate innovation and deliver more tailored payment solutions.
The UAE hosts Visa’s CEMEA regional headquarters and innovation centre, while Kuwait has seen rapid growth in contactless payments and tokenisation. Qatar has expanded digital payments as part of its National Vision 2030, including biometric payment initiatives and e-commerce development.
“This evolution brings our leadership and expertise even closer to the clients and partners shaping the future of commerce in the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar,” said Tareq Muhmood, Visa’s regional president for CEMEA.
Moukaddem said the region was entering “an exciting time” for digital payments, citing strong partnerships and growing momentum across the Gulf’s digital economy.
