- Makary will lead Visa’s UAE market strategy and deepen engagement with clients, partners, regulators and other stakeholders
- Appointment reinforces Visa’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s digital economy and advancing secure, seamless and inclusive commerce
- Makary brings more than 12 years of Visa experience across Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and the wider Levant
Mario Makary
Dubai, UAE, September 22, 2026 – Visa, a world leader in digital payments, today announced the appointment of Mario Makary as Vice President and Country Manager for the United Arab Emirates. Based in Dubai, Mario will lead Visa’s business in the UAE, with responsibility for market strategy, business development and Visa’s relationships with clients, partners, regulators and other key stakeholders. His appointment reflects Visa’s continued investment in leadership and talent development as the company supports clients and partners across one of the world’s most dynamic payments markets.
Mario brings more than 12 years of experience at Visa across Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and the wider Levant, complemented by earlier experience in the banking and payments industries. Most recently, he served as Vice President for the Levant, leading Visa’s business and client engagement across the subregion.
In his new role, Mario will work closely with Visa’s clients and partners to support the continued evolution of the UAE’s payments ecosystem. His priorities will include deepening strategic client relationships, expanding digital payment acceptance, enabling new ways to pay and be paid, and helping businesses, consumers and communities benefit from Visa’s global network, products, solutions and advisory capabilities.
Fadi Moukaddem, Group Country Manager for the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar at Visa, said: “The UAE is one of the world’s most dynamic and forward-looking markets, with a clear ambition to shape the future of commerce and digital innovation. Mario brings deep industry knowledge, a strong understanding of our clients and an established track record within Visa. His appointment reflects the strength of our internal talent pipeline and our continued commitment to supporting clients and partners as they pursue growth and innovation in the UAE. I look forward to working closely with Mario as we build on Visa’s strong foundation in the UAE and deliver the next chapter of our strategy in the market.”
The appointment comes as Visa continues to support the UAE’s evolving payments ecosystem through secure digital payments, money movement solutions, expanded acceptance and value-added services. The company works closely with clients, partners and ecosystem stakeholders to help enable seamless and secure commerce experiences for consumers and businesses across the country.
Mario Makary, Vice President and Country Manager for the United Arab Emirates at Visa, said: “I am honored to take on this role and continue building on Visa’s strong foundation in the UAE. This is a market defined by ambition, innovation and a strong ability to turn new ideas into meaningful experiences for consumers and businesses. I look forward to working with our talented team, clients and partners to support the continued evolution of the UAE’s payments ecosystem, expand access to secure and seamless ways to pay and be paid, and help businesses and consumers thrive in an increasingly digital economy.”