From May 12th to 13th, 2025, the 3rd Dubai FinTech Summit was grandly held in Dubai, UAE. As the most influential FinTech gathering in the Middle East, the summit attracted over 9,000 attendees from 120+ countries, bringing together government officials, financial executives, and investors to explore how technology drives future economic growth.
Centred on the theme "FinTech for All," the summit focused on AI, digital payments, open banking, and virtual assets, opening a window for global enterprises to enter the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market.
Hong Kong Delegation: Bridging Asia and the Middle East
Coinciding with the summit, a high-level business delegation led by John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, visited the Middle East (including Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE) to promote cooperation in innovation and the economy along the "Belt and Road".
As part of this mission, Cyberport led 16 FinTech community enterprises—including Waffo—on a business study tour to the UAE from May 12th to 16th, making a collective appearance at the Dubai FinTech Summit.
Waffo, a global payment platform, joined forces with InvestHK and Cyberport to showcase its solutions in cross-border payment infrastructure, payment localisation, and smart risk control as a representative of "Hong Kong's Innovative FinTech Power."
Waffo: Localised Payment Infrastructure for Emerging Markets
Waffo focuses on the digital payment needs of emerging markets, committed to providing efficient and secure solutions for digital-native enterprises.
The platform currently supports over 350 local payment methods (APMs), covering diverse markets across APAC, LATAM, and Africa, with a particularly active presence in emerging economies. By continuously optimising API integration efficiency and enhancing transaction success rates, Waffo helps businesses connect with global users effortlessly.
During the summit, the Hong Kong pavilion received visits from key figures including the Chief FinTech Officer of the Central Bank of the UAE and representatives from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), highlighting the international influence of Hong Kong's FinTech ecosystem.
Strategic Dialogue with ADIA: Sovereign Wealth & Future Tech
The delegation also visited the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) for high-level exchanges.
Waffo participated in this visit, engaging in face-to-face discussions with sovereign wealth funds regarding FinTech, payment infrastructure, and regional cooperation. This session established critical connections for Hong Kong startups and the investment community, providing Waffo with a valuable platform for deep strategic layout in the Middle East market.
Seizing Opportunities: The New Growth Engine
The Middle East is rapidly rising as a global growth engine for FinTech. Driven by digital policies, rising e-payment penetration, and the growth of cross-border e-commerce, the region has become a battleground for international payment tech companies.
The Dubai FinTech Summit was not just a product showcase but a collision of strategic directions and global perspectives. For Waffo, this trip laid the foundation for future local implementation and regional expansion.
Moving forward, Waffo will continue to deepen its presence in different markets and build a global payment network with more ecosystem partners. We believe that in the evolution of payment technology, local understanding and global connection are indispensable.