Saudi and Qatari payment cards now accepted in both countries

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), in cooperation with the Qatar Central Bank, has begun a phased expansion of mutual acceptance of national payment cards between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Under the new arrangement, Saudi Arabia’s Mada payment network cards are now accepted in Qatar, while Qatar’s Himyan national payment cards can be used in Saudi Arabia.

This initiative is part of ongoing cooperation and integration between the two countries in the payments sector, and supports joint Gulf efforts to develop payment infrastructure across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and expand the acceptance of national cards within the region.

The expansion of national card acceptance aligns with strategic objectives for economic and financial integration among GCC countries, by strengthening links between national payment systems across member states.

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The GCC payment network is a key strategic pillar, enabling citizens and residents in GCC countries to make cash withdrawals from ATMs and to use direct debit cards from the GCC network at point-of-sale terminals.

This development will help improve the ease and efficiency of payment transactions and reduce costs for customers, while also enhancing the quality of services available to citizens and residents across the GCC.