Qatar, Saudi Arabia Deepen Cross-Border Payment Ties With Himyan, Mada Acceptance

Qatar and Saudi Arabia have taken another significant step towards strengthening financial and payment connectivity between the two countries with the commencement of acceptance of Qatar’s national payment card, Himyan, in Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia’s national payment network, mada, in Qatar.

The initiative, announced by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) in cooperation with the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), marks a new milestone in the integration of the national payment systems of the two countries and is expected to make cross-border payments more seamless and efficient.

The announcement was made during a ceremony held as part of the Money20/20 Middle East 2026 conference in Riyadh.

The event was attended by Qatar Central Bank Governor Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani and Saudi Central Bank Governor Ayman bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Sayari.

The gradual commencement of card acceptance follows the completion of the required technical and operational integration and connectivity arrangements between the two national payment systems. Card usage and access to payment services will expand as the approved integration phases are completed.

The development is expected to provide greater convenience for consumers and businesses travelling between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, while broadening access to national payment solutions across the two markets.

By enabling the respective national payment cards to be accepted in each other’s markets, the initiative is set to strengthen the connectivity of the payment ecosystems of Qatar and Saudi Arabia and support more efficient cross-border transactions.

The cooperation also represents an important step in the continued development of digital payment infrastructure in the Gulf region.