Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Arab National Bank’s TeleMoney has partnered with Mastercard to enhance cross-border payments through Mastercard Move, enabling transfers to over 160 countries in 150 currencies. The collaboration supports Vision 2030’s digital finance goals amid a 15% rise in remittances, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a fintech leader.
Arab Financial Services (AFS) and Reboot01 have formed a strategic partnership to train and employ Bahrain’s next generation of FinTech professionals. The initiative offers hands-on training, internships, and recruitment opportunities, bridging education with industry needs. With an inclusive, project-based curriculum and a goal of graduating 350 developers annually, Reboot01 and AFS aim to drive Bahrain’s digital economy and regional innovation leadership.
Bahrain’s iGA and Beyon Connect have launched the Bulk KYC Service, allowing financial institutions to verify customer data in bulk directly against national registries. Built on the eKey 2.0 framework, the system enhances regulatory compliance, security, and user convenience. It forms part of Bahrain’s broader push toward a trusted, data-secure financial ecosystem and strengthens its position as a regional leader in digital identity innovation.
Bahrain FinTech Bay has partnered with Tether to drive blockchain innovation and digital asset education in Bahrain. The collaboration builds on the Central Bank of Bahrain’s new stablecoin regulatory framework, aiming to attract global talent and investment while promoting sustainable and compliant blockchain growth. The initiative strengthens Bahrain’s position as a leading fintech and blockchain hub in the GCC.
TeleMoney, the international remittance arm of Arab National Bank, has partnered with Mastercard to enable seamless global money transfers via Mastercard Move. The partnership supports Saudi Vision 2030 and meets the rising demand for digital remittance solutions. With coverage in over 160 countries and 150 currencies, the collaboration underscores Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a major hub for digital finance and expatriate remittances.
Saudi Arabia has achieved a 79% cashless transaction rate in 2024, surpassing its 2025 target early. With 280 fintech companies now active, SAMA’s reforms and Vision 2030 programs are driving financial innovation, inclusion, and resilience — positioning the Kingdom as a leading global fintech hub.
EtihadWE has become the UAE’s first utilities provider to adopt WAYN, the national Digital P.O. Box system, enabling secure, paperless billing and payment notifications. The initiative supports the UAE’s vision for a digital, sustainable future.
Qatar processed 55.08 million payment transactions worth $4.58 billion in September, led by point-of-sale and e-commerce channels, according to the Qatar Central Bank. Instant payment and mobile wallet systems continue to drive financial inclusion and digital transformation nationwide.
Morocco’s Chari has raised $12 million in Series A funding led by SPE Capital and Orange Ventures — the country’s largest to date. The YC-backed startup also secured a payment institution licence, paving the way for a merchant super app and Banking-as-a-Service offering.
Jordan’s eFAWATEERcom processed JD11.57 billion in payments during 2025, while instant payments via CliQ surged 73%. The shift underscores the country’s accelerating move toward a cashless digital economy.