Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
UAE telecom operator e& is piloting AE Coin, a dirham-backed stablecoin, for everyday payments such as bills, recharges, and digital services following a partnership with Al Maryah Community Bank. The initiative signals growing regulatory-backed adoption of stablecoins in the UAE’s consumer and financial ecosystems.
Mastercard has partnered with TerraPay to expand global acceptance for digital wallet users by improving interoperability across payment networks. The collaboration aims to enable seamless cross-border transactions, support financial inclusion, and help merchants and wallet providers scale as digital payments continue to grow worldwide.
Banglalink has received Bangladesh Bank approval to operate as a payment service provider, enabling the launch of regulated digital payment and money transfer services. The move supports financial inclusion in Bangladesh, integrates payments into mobile experiences, and leverages VEON’s global expertise in digital financial services.
Pakistan has opened 10 million BISP mobile wallet accounts for low-income women, enabling digital stipends without agents or queues. Supported by banks, telcos, PTA, and NADRA, the initiative targets 100% digital payments by June 2026 and represents a major step in expanding financial inclusion.
Friendi Pay has fueled major growth in Oman’s digital payments ecosystem, delivering 600% higher payment volumes, 800% growth in remittances, stronger onboarding, and a user-centric, multilingual experience. Built on trust and regulatory alignment, it aims to power Oman’s Vision 2040 digital financial ambitions.
MoneyHash partnered with Saudi Amwal Tech to expand local payment options and installment plans for merchants. The collaboration strengthens MoneyHash’s presence in Saudi Arabia and simplifies how businesses add new payment methods, supporting stronger digital payment adoption and more flexible customer experiences across the region.
Visa has launched a new regional hub объединяющий Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman under one leadership structure as part of its CEMEA growth strategy. Led by Group Country Manager Ali Bailoun from Riyadh, the hub aims to accelerate digital payments, strengthen collaboration with banks, fintechs, and merchants, and support national transformation agendas such as Saudi Vision 2030. The move enhances Visa’s agility and regional impact.
Oman has soft launched ‘Maal’, its first national payment card, through a partnership between Dhofar Islamic and the Central Bank of Oman. Integrated with the OmanNet gateway, the card will enable domestic payments across ATMs, POS terminals, e-commerce, and government platforms. The initiative reduces reliance on international card networks, enhances security and financial inclusion, and supports Oman Vision 2040’s digital economy and cashless society ambitions.
FOO and eNovate have launched Egypt’s first digital student app, merging financial services, digital payments, and gamified experiences to promote youth financial literacy. Hosted securely on eFinance’s cloud, the platform empowers Gen Z students with smart, compliant, and engaging digital tools.
Riyadh, November 11, 2025 — Abdul Latif Jameel Finance, a leading Saudi provider of innovative financing solutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ant International, the Singapore-based global digital payments and financial technology company, to jointly explore fintech opportunities and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s digital finance ecosystem.