VEON, a global digital operator, has recently secured a commercial license for its branch office in Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC). This move is part of VEON’s strategic plan to relocate its headquarters from Amsterdam to DIFC, marking a significant shift in the company’s operations. Once the transition is complete, VEON will become the largest Nasdaq-listed company headquartered in Dubai.
With a strong market presence serving nearly 160 million connectivity customers and over 100 million monthly active users of digital services across Pakistan, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, VEON is poised to leverage its expanded presence in DIFC to enhance its access to Gulf capital markets and investors. This strategic repositioning is expected to bring VEON closer to its core operating markets in Asia and provide greater visibility to Gulf investors.
The relocation to DIFC could potentially result in reduced operational costs for VEON and improve its regional market visibility, particularly in high-growth frontier markets. With a substantial customer base across multiple countries, VEON’s shift to DIFC opens up opportunities for regional partnerships and increased investment prospects.
Furthermore, this move underscores VEON’s commitment to emerging markets and signals its readiness to engage with Middle Eastern investors. By establishing its headquarters in Dubai, VEON aims to attract greater attention from investors in the region, potentially leading to improved liquidity and valuation multiples for the company.
Overall, VEON’s successful acquisition of the DIFC commercial license marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy, positioning it as a key player in the digital services sector across multiple markets. As VEON continues to expand its reach and enhance its market presence, the transition to DIFC is expected to unlock new opportunities for the company in the evolving landscape of global digital operations.
