The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and Ant International, a global digital payments and financial technology provider, plan to introduce cross-border QR code payments in 2026.

The system will link Saudi Arabia’s national payment scheme, mada, with Ant International’s global wallet gateway, Alipay+, aiming to support digitalisation and provide local merchants with broader payment access.

Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International, said:

“We are deeply honoured to support the ambitious goals of Vision 2030 and build on the strong digital infrastructure by SAMA to enhance payment connectivity and boost Saudi Arabia’s status as a global tourism hub. Tourism is a powerful force for economic growth and cultural connectivity. Through such joint innovations across public and private sectors, we can unlock more opportunities and help local businesses and communities flourish, while creating a more seamless experience for global consumers.”

The collaboration will enable merchants across KSA, including SMEs, to accept cross-border QR payments from Alipay+ international partners.

Alipay+ currently connects more than 1.7 billion user accounts across 36 partners to over 100 million merchants in 70 markets.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, introduced in 2016, seeks to diversify the economy and promote innovation and sustainability.

Digital payments and tourism are central to these objectives, which include a target of 70% non-cash transactions by 2030 and attracting 150 million visitors.

In 2024, the country surpassed 100 million domestic and international tourists and ranked first globally in tourism revenue growth.

Feagin added:

“This agreement deepens our presence and commitment to Saudi Arabia, and we look forward to working to promote QR payments locally as we build a thriving digital future for the Kingdom.”

Featured image credit: Ant International