Mastercard and Google have expanded their collaboration to support the wider use of Google Pay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following the service’s recent launch in the market.
The expansion enables Android users to make contactless payments at physical retail locations and complete online transactions using Google Pay.
It reflects growing consumer adoption of digital payment methods and supports national efforts to reduce reliance on cash.
“Every step we take at Mastercard is guided by our mission to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy,”
said Saud Swar, Country Manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and the Levant.
He said the collaboration aims to expand access to secure and efficient payment options across Saudi Arabia.
“Our goal is to empower consumers with greater financial control and deliver seamless payment experiences, all while contributing to the country’s economic transformation,”
said Dmitry Stiran, Strategic Partner Development Lead at Payments, Google MENA.
Google Pay uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to enable contactless payments.
Transactions are protected through tokenisation, which replaces card details with a device-specific token and a dynamic security code for each transaction.
This approach reduces fraud risk by ensuring that card information is not shared with merchants or stored on devices.
The expansion of Google Pay supports broader digital transformation initiatives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the development of digital financial infrastructure under Vision 2030 and the Financial Sector Development Programme.
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Middle East, based on image by Mastercard and roypankaj via Freepik
