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Digital wallets debut in partnership with Saudi payments network Mada
The Middle East Money 20/20 Conference held today, Sept. 15, in Riyadh, saw the launch of Google Pay in Saudi Arabia.
An agreement was also signed to enable Alipay+ transactions in the Kingdom starting in 2026, in collaboration with the Saudi Central Bank’s (SAMA) Mada network, according to a statement by SAMA.
Visitors to the Kingdom and users of global digital wallets linked to Alipay+ will be able to make advanced and secure payments at participating merchants. SAMA said the service is part of a series of solutions designed to meet the needs of the Saudi market.
Finance Minister Mohamed Al-Jadaan said e-payments rose from 18% in 2016 to 79% by end-2024, making Saudi Arabia a global leader in the shift to a cashless economy.
Argaam data showed SAMA signed an agreement with Google in January to roll out Google Pay in 2025 via Mada.
The service will allow users to easily and securely add and manage Mada debit cards and digital credit cards through the Google Wallet app, as part of SAMA’s strategy to expand financial technology solutions via smart devices, boost financial inclusion, and spur the financial sector to serve customers with the latest payment methods.
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