Mastercard has entered a strategic collaboration with Qlub, a Dubai-based fintech innovator in hospitality payments, to accelerate the adoption of digital and contactless dining experiences across the GCC. The partnership combines Mastercard’s global payments infrastructure with Qlub’s QR-based dining technology, aiming to reshape how restaurants and guests transact.
As part of the deal, Mastercard will make a minority investment in Qlub and process the company’s card-not-present transactions via Mastercard Gateway in markets including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The move builds on Qlub’s participation in Mastercard’s Start Path program in 2023, highlighting the payment giant’s commitment to supporting fast-growing fintechs in high-demand industries.
“By combining Qlub’s QR-based payment technology with Mastercard’s expertise, we’re delivering simpler, faster, and more secure dining payment experiences,” said Gina Petersen-Skyrme, Senior Vice President and Country Manager, UAE and Oman at Mastercard. She noted the collaboration reflects Mastercard’s mission to empower fintech innovators redefining digital commerce.
Qlub’s Managing Director for the UAE, John Mady, said the partnership is rooted in a shared vision of innovation and trust. “Together, we aim to make every dining experience faster, safer, and more rewarding — not just in the GCC, but wherever great food brings people together.”
Founded in 2021, Qlub has quickly established itself as a leader in hospitality payments, offering seamless QR code-based table payments at more than 3,000 restaurants and serving over 3 million users across 10 countries. The company employs nearly 300 staff and recently raised $30 million in a funding round backed by Shorooq, Cherry Ventures, e&, Mubadala Investments, and Legend Capital to expand globally.
The collaboration with Mastercard provides Qlub with the global infrastructure and secure processing power needed to scale, while reinforcing the GCC’s push toward cashless economies and next-generation hospitality experiences.
