BENEFIT and Ant International have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch cross-border QR payments between the BENEFIT QR scheme and the global Alipay+ network in 2026, advancing Bahrain’s transition toward a more inclusive digital payments ecosystem.
The partnership will enable more than 15,000 merchants in Bahrain to accept QR payments from Alipay+’s international partner wallets. Alipay+ connects over 1.8 billion user accounts across 40+ digital payment partners to 150 million merchants in more than 100 markets.
In addition to inbound QR payments, both organizations will explore outbound payment capabilities, allowing Bahraini consumers to use their preferred local payment methods internationally through the BENEFIT network at millions of Alipay+-enabled merchants. The collaboration also includes knowledge-sharing, technical cooperation, and joint marketing initiatives to accelerate fintech adoption.
BENEFIT CEO Abdulwahed AlJanahi said the partnership reinforces Bahrain’s role as a regional fintech hub and supports the development of secure, seamless, world-class payment experiences. He noted that the initiative strengthens Bahrain’s digital infrastructure and aligns with the Kingdom’s strategy to build a knowledge-based digital economy.
Pietro Candela, EMEA General Manager for Alipay+, said the agreement will empower Bahraini merchants to accept payments from global travelers and will eventually enable BENEFIT customers to use Alipay+ services abroad. The move builds on Ant International’s expansion in the Middle East, including the recent opening of its Riyadh office.
Alipay+ is already integrated with national QR payment schemes in Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and others, further strengthening cross-border digital payment connectivity across Asia and now the Gulf.
