Visa has announced the appointment of Mario Makary as the new Vice President and Country Manager for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Based in Dubai, Makary is tasked with overseeing Visa’s operations in the UAE, including market strategy, business development, and stakeholder relationships. His hiring emphasizes Visa’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the digital economy in the region and advancing secure, inclusive commerce.
Strengthening Visa’s Presence in the UAE
This latest leadership move underscores Visa’s investment in talent development as it aims to support clients and partners within one of the world’s most dynamic payment markets. With over 12 years of experience at Visa across Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and the Levant, Mario brings a wealth of knowledge. His previous role as Vice President for the Levant involved leading Visa’s client engagement and business strategy in the subregion, signaling his readiness to tackle the challenges and opportunities within the UAE market.
In his new position, Makary will collaborate closely with clients and partners to further develop the UAE’s payments ecosystem. Key focus areas include strengthening strategic relationships with clients, enhancing digital payment acceptance, and introducing innovative methods for transactions. Additionally, he will strive to ensure that businesses, consumers, and communities leverage Visa’s global network, products, and advisory services to their advantage.
Visa’s Commitment to the UAE’s Digital Future
Fadi Moukaddem, Group Country Manager for the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar at Visa, expressed confidence in Makary’s leadership capabilities. He pointed out the UAE’s position as a rapidly advancing market with ambitions to lead in commerce and digital innovation. Moukaddem noted that Makary’s deep industry insight and proven track record at Visa make him an excellent fit for this pivotal role. He also indicated that this appointment reflects the company’s robust internal talent pipeline and its ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the UAE.
Visa’s ongoing initiatives in the UAE focus on supporting a seamless and secure payments ecosystem. The company collaborates with various stakeholders, including clients and partners, to enhance the payment experiences for both consumers and businesses. By prioritizing secure digital payments, efficient money movement solutions, and expanded acceptance, Visa continues to play a significant role in facilitating commerce across the nation.
A Vision for the Future
Mario Makary expressed enthusiasm for his new role, recognizing the UAE’s characteristics of ambition and innovation. He conveyed his eagerness to build on Visa’s established foundations within the market, aiming to develop new, secure, and efficient ways for various stakeholders to conduct transactions. His vision of supporting the evolution of the UAE’s payments ecosystem aligns with Visa’s overarching goal of promoting digital accessibility and economic growth.
Visa operates as a global leader in digital payments, enabling seamless transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and governments in over 200 countries. The organization is dedicated to connecting the world through an innovative and secure payments network. Visa’s mission emphasizes inclusivity, believing that economic access for all is crucial for future advancements in money movement.
As Visa continues to amplify its operations in the UAE, the focus remains on creating value for clients, partners, and the broader economy, reinforcing its role as a pioneering force in the financial landscape.