Mastercard has partnered with Qlub, a fintech company operating in the hospitality sector, aimed at expanding digital and contactless payments across the GCC.
The partnership is intended to support the adoption of technology-driven payment solutions in restaurants across the region.
Under the agreement, Mastercard will provide its payment platforms and technologies to Qlub and will also make a minority investment in the company.
Mastercard will process Qlub’s card-not-present transactions via Mastercard Gateway in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Qlub joined Mastercard’s Start Path, a startup engagement programme, in 2023, reflecting an ongoing relationship between the two companies.
The collaboration seeks to combine Qlub’s QR-based payment technology with Mastercard’s global payments infrastructure to enhance the payments experience in the hospitality sector.
“By combining Qlub’s cutting-edge QR-based payment technology with Mastercard’s global expertise, we’re delivering simpler, faster, and more secure payment experiences for restaurants and consumers alike. More than an investment, this reflects our ongoing mission to support fintech innovators who redefine the way we live, work, and transact,”
said Gina Petersen-Skyrme, Senior Vice President and Country Manager, UAE and Oman, Mastercard.
“Our collaboration with Mastercard is built on a shared vision of innovation and trust in payments. By combining Qlub’s frictionless QR-based dining technology with Mastercard’s global expertise and secure infrastructure, we’re reimagining how guests and restaurants connect,”
said John Mady, Managing Director, UAE, Qlub.
Founded in 2021 and based in Dubai, Qlub provides QR code-based table payments across more than 3,000 restaurants and serves over three million users.
The company employs around 300 people and operates in ten countries.
Qlub recently closed a US$30 million funding round to expand its smart dining experience internationally.
The round was co-led by Shorooq and Cherry Ventures, with support from strategic partners including e&, Mubadala Investments and Legend Capital.
Featured image credit: Mastercard
