Alipay+ Expands to Saudi Arabia with Cross-Border QR Payments
Alipay+, Ant International’s global payment platform, will launch cross-border mobile payments in Saudi Arabia in partnership with the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). The service will connect Mada, Saudi Arabia’s national payment scheme, with Alipay+, enabling local merchants to accept QR payments from global consumers starting in 2026.
This initiative supports Vision 2030, which focuses on digital transformation, tourism, and economic diversification. By enhancing cross-border mobile payments, the collaboration aims to deliver inclusive growth for local merchants, including SMEs.
Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International, said: “We are honoured to support Vision 2030 by enhancing payment connectivity and helping Saudi Arabia strengthen its position as a global tourism hub. Through collaboration, we create seamless payment experiences while unlocking opportunities for businesses and communities.”
Driving Digital Growth and Tourism in Saudi Arabia
Local merchants across the Kingdom will soon accept QR payments from Alipay+ international partners. Currently, Alipay+ connects more than 1.7 billion accounts across 36 partners and supports over 100 million merchants in 70 markets.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 targets 70% non-cash transactions by 2030 and aims to attract 150 million visitors. The Kingdom has already surpassed 100 million tourists in 2024, ranking first globally in tourism revenue growth. Digital payments remain critical to sustaining this momentum.
Feagin added, “This agreement strengthens our long-term presence in Saudi Arabia. By promoting QR payments, we are helping build a thriving digital future for the Kingdom.”
Ant International’s Expanding Presence
The upcoming Alipay+ launch follows Ant International’s milestones in KSA this year, including its Antom merchant payment solution receiving a PTSP license from SAMA and the opening of its first Middle East office in Riyadh.
Beyond Saudi Arabia, Alipay+ is integrated into national payment schemes in Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Cambodia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. This expansion further positions Alipay+ as a global leader in digital payments, financial technology, and cross-border commerce.
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News Source: Businesswire.com
