Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ottu and Mastercard have partnered to simplify access to local and international payment methods across the GCC using Mastercard Merchant Cloud. The collaboration enables enterprises in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman to scale efficiently through a single integration, supporting secure, locally relevant, and scalable digital commerce across the region.
MNZL has become the first fintech in Egypt to secure both a digital mortgage licence and a digital consumer finance licence. The approvals enable fully digital, regulated asset-backed lending for housing and vehicles, reducing processing time and improving access to household wealth.
Visa has formed a new regional hub spanning Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman to accelerate digital payments and strengthen alignment with national transformation agendas. Led from Riyadh by Ali Bailoun, the move supports cashless economy targets, enhances client proximity, and builds on Visa’s growing infrastructure investments across the region.
Saudi Arabia’s Absher platform processed more than 38 million electronic transactions in November, driven largely by digital identity services and document access. With over 28 million unified digital IDs issued, Absher continues to play a central role in advancing secure, integrated digital government services across the Kingdom.
Visa has formed a new regional hub covering Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman to accelerate digital payments and align with national transformation agendas. Led from Riyadh by Ali Bailoun, the move strengthens client proximity, supports cashless targets such as Vision 2030, and builds on Visa’s expanding regional infrastructure investments.
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.
BIBF has partnered with BENEFIT Company to launch a self-paced e-learning programme focused on Anti-Money Laundering for BENEFIT employees. The digital training will enhance compliance knowledge, improve regulatory readiness, and align staff capabilities with global standards. Delivered through BIBF’s online platform, the programme supports Bahrain’s wider goal of strengthening its financial sector and workforce.
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.
Paribu has acquired CoinMENA for $240 million in Türkiye’s largest fintech transaction and its first international digital asset platform deal. The acquisition gives Paribu regulated access to MENA through licenses in Dubai and Bahrain, strengthening its regional expansion strategy. The deal highlights growing consolidation in the global crypto industry and positions Paribu as a major regulated player across Türkiye and the Middle East.
Beyon Money has launched live stablecoin-powered cross-border payments through a new partnership with global money transfer operator SwiftX. Using blockchain-based settlement, the solution enables faster, cheaper, and more transparent international transactions while reducing foreign exchange and operational costs. The collaboration strengthens Bahrain’s fintech ecosystem and positions Beyon Money as a regional leader in next-generation digital payment infrastructure.