Egyptian Tech Startups Eye the GCC: Why Thndr’s Entry into Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Is a Blueprint for Regional Growth

On August 10, 2025, Egyptian investment platform Thndr made history by becoming the first remote retail trading member of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). This landmark move allows millions of Thndr users to trade UAE-listed stocks and ETFs directly through their phones, without ever setting foot in the UAE.

It’s more than a win for one startup it’s a signal that the GCC market is opening up in new ways for well-prepared Egyptian tech companies.

Why now?
The ADX’s onboarding of Thndr is part of its Tabadul initiative, aimed at enabling cross-border investment and strengthening regional market ties. Remote retail membership is a relatively new tool that makes exchanges accessible beyond their home country’s borders.

For Thndr, the timing aligns with years of scaling in Egypt  growing to over 4 million downloads, processing billions in trade value, and securing licenses from the Egyptian Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) and Abu Dhabi Global Market’s FSRA. This regulatory readiness positioned the startup perfectly for GCC expansion.

Who benefits?
Retail investors in Egypt and across MENA now have easier access to a wider range of investment products.

The ADX gains a broader investor base, deepening liquidity in its markets.

Other fintech and tech startups get a live example of how to break into GCC markets — legally, strategically, and at scale.

A wider trend
Thndr’s move isn’t happening in isolation. GCC regulators and exchanges are actively lowering market entry barriers for innovative companies. From fintech sandboxes to tech hub accelerators like Hub71, the region is signalling its readiness to partner with foreign startups.

The GCC’s appeal is obvious:

High purchasing power and a growing appetite for digital-first services.

Government-backed innovation programs targeting diversification away from oil dependency.

Regional connectivity that enables quick scaling to other Gulf states.

Lessons for Egyptian Startups
- Regulatory readiness is non-negotiable. Thndr’s dual licensing in Egypt and Abu Dhabi gave it the credibility and compliance needed to pass exchange requirements.

- Scale before you leap. Exchanges and regulators are more willing to partner with startups that already have significant traction.

- Partnerships are accelerators. Being part of Hub71 and building ties with the ADX streamlined Thndr’s market entry.

 Cross-border UX matters. Smooth onboarding, multi-currency support, and clear communication of tax/settlement processes are essential for adoption.

A sign of what’s next
Thndr’s success is both a milestone and a message: the GCC is not just a distant opportunity for Egyptian startups — it’s a reachable, scalable market. For those willing to invest in compliance, build strategic relationships, and scale user adoption, the doors to the Gulf are opening wider than ever.

The question now isn’t if other Egyptian startups will follow, but how fast.