Connect with us

Technology

Beyond Local Collection: What the Middle East’s Payment Market Demands in 2026

Published

on

PhotonPay’s market insights from Seamless Fintech Middle East 2026 and its strategic expansion in the UAE

HONG KONG, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In September 2026, the fintech world converged at the Dubai World Trade Centre for Seamless Middle East. With over 20,000 industry experts and 750 exhibitors, the event served as a vibrant showcase of real-time payments, cross-border settlements, and digital commerce. Yet for global enterprises operating on the ground, the trade show floor offered just a glimpse of a much deeper transformation. 

The narrative of expanding into the Middle East has fundamentally shifted. It is no longer just about catching a wave of e-commerce traffic. A diverse influx of gaming, SaaS, digital entertainment, and direct-to-consumer brands is accelerating into the region. This multifaceted business ecosystem requires an entirely new caliber of financial agility.

As a next-generation financial operating system, PhotonPay showcased its comprehensive fund management solutions at Booth J76. Through extensive dialogues with global enterprises and financial institutions, we identified three core structural shifts redefining what global companies need to succeed in the Middle East.

The New Baseline of Speed

Payment infrastructure is accelerating, transforming fund turnover from a competitive advantage into a baseline survival metric. The UAE provides a striking example through Aani, the national instant payments platform operated by Al Etihad Payments under the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). Official data released in April 2026 confirms that Aani has surpassed 12.5 million registered users, with account-to-account transfers executing in an average of just three seconds. Local expectations for speed are at an all-time high. 

When local buyers, suppliers, and media partners operate in a millisecond economy, global businesses relying on fragmented traditional wire transfers face severe operational friction. The new standard for payment infrastructure is no longer about geographic coverage alone. It is about native integration into local clearing systems to erase the time zones from cross-border capital flow.

When Collection Is Only the Beginning

The sheer velocity of digital adoption in the region is forcing a modernization of settlement systems. The numbers reflect a booming digital ecosystem. According to Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) indicators, electronic payments accounted for 85% of retail transactions in Saudi Arabia in 2025. Meanwhile, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce projects the UAE’s e-commerce market will reach $9.2 billion in 2026, driven heavily by cross-border platforms.

This consumer boom demands concurrent financial operations from B2B enterprises. A business collecting local consumer funds must simultaneously pay for digital advertising on Google or TikTok, settle SaaS subscriptions, and pay local logistics providers, all while managing exposure to currency fluctuations. Payment can no longer be an isolated post-transaction step. Companies require a cohesive financial operating system that unifies local collection, intelligent FX, and global payouts into a single fluid motion.

Secure Foundations for a Connected Middle East

As the UAE’s domestic network deepens its integration with the GCC’s regional clearing system AFAQ and the Arab Monetary Fund’s cross-border payment platform Buna, cross-border flows are growing in both volume and oversight.

The UAE Central Bank and SAMA have both strengthened their AML, KYC, and continuous transaction monitoring frameworks in recent years. The expectation of compliance is now embedded at every stage of a payment relationship. For businesses, this makes due diligence on payment providers more consequential. License status, the robustness of AML infrastructure, and how a provider handles sanctions screening and beneficial ownership verification are critical elements.

True localization does not end with offering a local currency checkout. It requires back-end financial routing that meets the standards regional central banks enforce, alongside a payment partner whose compliance infrastructure is built to those exact standards.

Building for What the Market Requires

Meeting these rigorous demands requires a financial foundation built specifically for the region’s evolving architecture. Earlier this year, PhotonPay secured a Category 3D License from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). This regulatory milestone is not merely a badge of approval but the operational core of our strategy across the Middle East market. It serves as the direct answer to the market’s need for speed, operational fluidity, and uncompromising compliance.

To address the region’s demand for agile capital, PhotonPay has collapsed global workflows into a unified, dual-rail ecosystem. Through the multi-asset wallet, enterprises can streamline collections and settlements in their preferred fiat currencies, or leverage stablecoin infrastructure for accelerated, borderless digital asset transactions. This is anchored by a 24/7 intelligent FX engine and on/off-ramping capabilities, enabling instant conversion across more than ten major currencies and digital assets.

Beyond efficient collection, capital must remain operational. Businesses can immediately deploy funds for global supplier payouts or utilize the multi-asset card to manage routine expenditures — from digital ad spend to SaaS subscriptions. By unifying all above into a single platform, PhotonPay reduces the traditional friction between earning revenue and deploying it.

Underpinning this entire system is an institutional-grade compliance architecture. Supported by over 25 financial licenses worldwide and AI-driven transaction monitoring, PhotonPay’s risk management framework is treated as a structural necessity. Every transaction processed runs through the same rigorous compliance standards expected by local regulators, ensuring that our clients’ capital flows remain secure and uninterrupted.

Seamless 2026 illuminated a clear trajectory for the industry. Payment providers are evolving from simple transaction processors into the definitive financial infrastructure of digital trade. For enterprises navigating the Middle East, the challenge is about ensuring every dollar moves with efficiency, security, and deep local relevance.

As global businesses look toward their next phase of growth, PhotonPay continues to build the secure digital bridges that turn market expansion into sustainable commercial success.

About PhotonPay

PhotonPay is a stablecoin-powered financial operating system built for global infrastructure. Designed for modern enterprises, PhotonPay enables businesses to send, receive, convert, and settle funds across both fiat and stablecoin rails through a single, compliance-first integration, spanning 200+ countries and territories.

For more information, visit [www.photonpay.com].

Disclaimer

This material is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, tax, accounting, or investment advice, nor an offer or solicitation for any product or service. The availability, features, and regulatory treatment of PhotonPay’s products and services may vary depending on the user’s location, business model, and the laws and regulations that apply. Any descriptions of functionality, performance, efficiency, cost savings, or compliance support (including, without limitation, references to “real‑time”, “24/7”, “high‑efficiency”, or “compliant” solutions) are aspirational or forward‑looking in nature. Actual outcomes may differ due to market conditions, technological constraints, and regulatory developments, and PhotonPay makes no express or implied representation, warranty, or guarantee as to the achievement of any particular result.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/beyond-local-collection-what-the-middle-easts-payment-market-demands-in-2026-302889154.html

SOURCE PhotonPay

Continue Reading

Technology

EMERGE to Host Investor Webcast Today (September 24) at 11am ET

Published

on

By

TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2026 /CNW/ — EMERGE Commerce Ltd. (TSXV: ECOM) (“EMERGE” or the “Company”), an acquirer and operator of profitable e-commerce brands and technologies, announces that EMERGE Founder and CEO, Ghassan Halazon, and EMERGE CFO, Mike Murphy, will host a virtual corporate presentation today (Thursday, September 24, 2026) at 11:00am ET.

During the webcast, Mr. Halazon and Mr. Murphy will discuss the recently completed senior debt refinancing with Desjardins, in addition to the Company’s overall operational progress and upcoming plans, followed by some Q&A with investors.

Investors are welcome to submit questions in advance to investor@emerge-brands.com.

Register Here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gq8YlPTCQRymtk93mvIcew

About EMERGE
EMERGE Commerce (TSXV: ECOM) is a disciplined acquirer and operator of profitable e-commerce brands and technologies across Direct-to Consumer (“D2C”) and Business-to-Business (“B2B”) segments. Our D2C portfolio spans our Grocery and Golf verticals. truLOCAL is our flagship Canadian meat and seafood subscription service. Our Golf vertical includes UnderPar (discounted golf experiences), JustGolfStuff and Tee 2 Green (discounted apparel and equipment). EMERGE B2B houses Viral Loops, our referral marketing platform. 

Follow EMERGE:
LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

On Behalf of the Board
Ghassan Halazon
Director, President, and CEO
EMERGE Commerce Ltd

SOURCE Emerge Commerce Ltd.

Continue Reading

Technology

Infinix Launches GT NX Series Peripherals: Redefine Mobile Gaming Boundaries to Deliver Native Console-Grade Experience for Gamers

Published

on

By

HONG KONG, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Infinix, a leading global technology brand, today officially unveiled its flagship gaming peripheral of the year — the GT NX Series Peripherals. While the mobile gaming market continues to expand, players are increasingly seeking a more professional and immersive experience. High-frame-rate, high-fidelity mobile games impose stringent demands on smartphones in terms of thermal management, network stability, and display output. To fully unlock this potential, the GT NX Series introduces dedicated physical controls and industry-leading haptic feedback, providing gamers with tactile precision, ergonomic comfort, and a true console-grade feel right in the palm of their hands.

Most mobile gaming peripherals available today are fragmented and single-purpose: docking stations only handle video mirroring, cooling fans merely address overheating, and game controllers often come with high latency. Gamers have to purchase multiple separate accessories and spend time on complicated setup. To tackle these industry pain points, Infinix officially unveiled the GT NX Controller and GT NX Station multi-functional esports docking station. This integrated hardware connects control, cooling, display output and port expansion in one complete workflow, transforming a smartphone into a portable gaming console for versatile scenarios.

GT NX Controller: Reimagining Mobile Game Controls, A Professional Split Controller for Mobile Gamers

Mobile games are originally designed for interaction, and many standard controllers are not able to replicate the nuanced precision of touchscreen operation.The GT NX Controller brings innovative solutions to the table. It is equipped with the world’s first Pixel-Level FPS Precision Touchpad in a mobile games controller, bridging the precision gap of touch aiming and delivering mouse-like accuracy for mobile FPS titles.

The GT NX Controller adopts an esports-grade three-chip low-latency architecture that achieves Millisecond-Level Direct Connect. It features dual chips in the left handle and a dedicated chip for the right handle. Whether you perform flick shots in FPS games or team fights in MOBA games, every input stays responsive and consistent. Boasting Mega Power for 22+ Hours of Gameplay, it supports marathon gaming sessions on the go. The controller features Industry-Leading FPS Tactical Haptics Sync, supports 3-level haptic intensity adjustment (Low/Medium/High) in XArena. The native mode is compatible with the game’s native vibration and mapping mode comes with industry-first FPS haptics: 1s long vibration on aircraft takeoff and parachuting, plus 500ms vibration for each final circle shrink. With handheld-console-grade physical feedback, round results feel more immediate. Tactile cues such as zone-shrink alerts aid game-state judgment and greatly enhance immersion.

The Ergonomic Laser-Textured Grip Design delivers enhanced anti-slip comfort during extended play. It supports Multiple Play Modes Across Scenarios, including phone clamping, desktop gaming and portable single-hand play, to accommodate both large-screen gaming at home and quick matchups outdoors.

GT NX Station: Industry-First 9-in-1 Expansion Dock with Built-In TEC Cooling

Thermal throttling triggered by overheating during prolonged intensive gaming is one of the most frustrating pain points for mobile players. As the industry’s first docking station with integrated TEC cooling, the GT NX Station breaks the traditional definition of docking hubs that only offer port conversion.

It supports Universal Extend or Mirror on any compatible screen, allowing gamers to cast mobile gameplay onto monitors or TVs and shift from small touchscreens to large-screen immersive gaming.  The station features Dynamic RGB Lighting to build an immersive esports atmosphere. It packs a full suite of 9-in-1 ports: HDMI Port, RJ45 Ethernet, 2 USB-A Ports, USB-C Host Cable, USB-C, USB-C PD Input, microSD Card Slot and 3.5mm Audio.

From users’ perspective, this design solves multiple real-world challenges in one unit: wired Ethernet prevents packet loss and lag caused by unstable Wi-Fi; PD pass-through charging sustains power during long gaming sessions to the docking station and it can provide mobile phones charging; gamers can easily connect external keyboards, headsets and storage drives. The built-in TEC cooling suppresses phone temperatures continuously to avoid frame drops and quality reduction triggered by thermal throttling. Users no longer need a pile of separate accessories including cooling back clips, adapters and network dongles. A single unit builds a complete desktop mobile gaming setup.

GT NX Controller & Station: Elevate Mobile Gaming on Smart Phones

Mobile gaming frequently suffers from imprecise touch‑only inputs, cramped small‑screen views and thermal throttling under high loads. Gamers keep all their game accounts and progress stored on their phones, yet cannot reach console‑grade gameplay purely with touch operations. Paired with GT‑series phones, the GT NX Controller and GT NX Station deliver tangible hardware‑driven upgrades to the mobile gaming experience.

Take the GT NX Controller out for on‑the‑go handheld gaming. Equipped with a large‑format glass touchpad, it supports both swipe and mouse‑mode operation. Its 4‑zone independent mapping enables efficient skill casting for MOBA titles, while delivering segmented precise aiming for FPS gameplay. Mapping mode unlocks play for mobile games without native controller support. Multiple flexible form‑factors support single‑player competitive matches as well as local two‑player versus sessions.

For desktop setups, mounting a GT-series smartphone onto the GT NX Station creates a comprehensive large‑screen gaming rig. The docking station integrates industry‑first foldable built‑in TEC active cooling, alongside a full 9‑in‑1 port portfolio and dual display‑output options. Mirror mode replicates the smartphone screen onto monitors or TVs while Extend mode enables true independent dual‑screen workflow—rendering game content on the external large display, while the smartphone handles background tasks such as checking strategy guides, replying to messages or powering down the phone display entirely to reduce power consumption and thermal load. Additionally, the integrated RJ45 wired Ethernet further eliminates Wi‑Fi fluctuations for stable competitive online matches.

Built for hardcore mobile gamers, FPS enthusiasts and mobile content creators, this hardware combo preserves players’ existing game accounts and in‑game saves, delivering console-grade control accuracy, thermal performance and big‑screen gameplay, without needing to switch between smartphones, consoles or PCs.

*Disclaimer: Universal Extend and Mirror modes are limited to selected Infinix devices with XOS 16.3+, and USB-C Android/iOS devices with native DP output. Other USB-C Android devices need driver installation through this docking station. Functionality requires supported mobile hardware. Compatibility differs by device, software and external display. External screens must have an HDMI input port.

About Infinix

Established in 2013, Infinix is an innovation-driven brand dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology, bold design, and outstanding performance. The brand provides smart, enjoyable mobile experiences that enhance everyday life. Beyond smartphones, Infinix has expanded its portfolio to include TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more — building a comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices. Currently, Infinix products are available in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/infinix-launches-gt-nx-series-peripherals-redefine-mobile-gaming-boundaries-to-deliver-native-console-grade-experience-for-gamers-302888901.html

SOURCE Infinix Mobility

Continue Reading

Technology

Canaan Inc. to Exhibit at BTCHEL Conference: Showcasing Hash-to-Heat Solutions from District Networks to Home Solutions

Published

on

By

SINGAPORE, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Canaan Inc. (NASDAQ: CAN) (“Canaan” or the “Company”), an innovator in computing and energy infrastructure, announced today that it will exhibit at BTCHEL, held in Helsinki, Finland, on September 25 and 26. At the event, Canaan will demonstrate how its technology helps energy providers decarbonize district heating, turning Bitcoin mining from an energy consumer into a contributor to sustainable energy infrastructure.

From Hash to Heat: 8 MW Nordic District Heating Project Fully Online

Widely recognized as a global leader in district heating, the Nordic region is recovering a growing supply of heat from sources that would otherwise go to waste, including from Canaan’s Avalon A1566HA hydro-cooled units, which put high-density computing to work as a heat source. The units produce hot water at approximately 80°C that feeds directly into existing district heating networks. 

Selected by a leading Nordic heating provider following a competitive evaluation, the A1566HA platform has replaced the provider’s conventional heating solutions. As of September 2026, heat from the approximately 8 MW installation has been delivered to approximately 2,800 homes.

From Industrial to Home Heating: Exploring the Avalon Home Miner Series

Canaan’s approach to heat reuse runs from municipal heating networks to individual homes. At BTCHEL, Canaan will showcase its Avalon Home Miner series, which brings sustainable computing and quiet heating directly into users’ living rooms.  

For households seeking quiet operation and useful heat, the lineup includes:  

Avalon Nano 3S: A micro-Bitcoin miner designed for desktop placement, emphasizing quiet operation and portability. Delivering 6 TH/s at a maximum of 140 watts, it runs at just 30–40 dB and doubles as a gentle desktop heater. It is ideal as an entry-level device for hobbyists and tech enthusiasts exploring solo mining.Avalon Mini 3: A smart device designed to combine Bitcoin mining with space heating, allowing computing-generated heat to be repurposed for residential use. As slim as a baseboard heater, it delivers 37.5 TH/s of hashrate alongside 800 watts of heating output, operating from just 33 dB, with dedicated Heater, Mining, and ultra-quiet Night modes.AvalonQ: Engineered for modern living, AvalonQ delivers a rated hashrate of 90 TH/s, quiet operation from 45 dB, three adaptive power modes, and intuitive control through the Avalon Family app — Bitcoin mining designed to fit seamlessly into daily life.

As a pioneer in the Bitcoin mining hardware industry, Canaan remains focused on integrating computing infrastructure with diverse energy resources and applications. The Company invites BTCHEL attendees, media representatives, and industry partners to visit Canaan at booth #6 to see and experience hash-to-heat in action.  

About Canaan Inc.

Established in 2013, Canaan Inc. (NASDAQ: CAN), is a technology company focusing on ASIC high-performance computing chip design, chip research and development, computing equipment production, and software services. Canaan has extensive experience in chip design and streamlined production in the ASIC field. In 2013, Canaan’s founding team shipped to its customers the world’s first batch of mining machines incorporating ASIC technology under the brand name Avalon. In 2019, Canaan completed its initial public offering on the Nasdaq Global Market. To learn more about Canaan, please visit https://www.canaan.io/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Canaan Inc.’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Canaan Inc. may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Forms 20-F and 6-K, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Canaan Inc.’s beliefs and expectations, such as expectations with regard to revenue or mining hash rate deployment, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development, the ability of the Company to execute against its goals, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the bitcoin industry and the price of bitcoin; the Company’s expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products, especially its bitcoin mining machines; the Company’s expectations regarding maintaining and strengthening its relationships with production partners and customers; the Company’s investment plans and strategies, fluctuations in the Company’s quarterly operating results; competition in its industry; changing macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions, including evolving international trade policies and the implementation of increased tariffs, import restrictions, and retaliatory trade actions; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to the Company and cryptocurrency. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Canaan Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/canaan-inc-to-exhibit-at-btchel-conference-showcasing-hash-to-heat-solutions-from-district-networks-to-home-solutions-302888089.html

SOURCE Canaan Inc.

Continue Reading

Trending