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Saudi Arabia Expands Digital Payments With Google Pay and Alipay+ Under Vision 2030

Prime Highlight

  • Saudi Arabia will roll out Google Pay nationwideand introduce Alipay+ services by 2026, boosting cashless payments.
  • The initiatives align with Vision 2030 goalsto make 70% of all transactions cashless by 2025 and enhance financial inclusivity.

Key Facts

  • The Saudi fintech sector has grown from 82 companies in 2022 to 281 in 2025, attracting SR9 billion ($2.39 billion) in investments.
  • In 2024, electronic payments accounted for 79% of retail transactions(12.6 billion), up from 10.8 billion in 2023.

Background

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will expand its digital payments protocol by introducing Google Pay nationwide and Alipay+ services, the central bank of Saudi Arabia, SAMA, announced during the Money20/20 Middle East conference in Riyadh.

Google Pay will allow users to manage their Mada cards and credit cards through Google Wallet, offering a fast, secure, and convenient payment experience. By 2026, Ant International will allow Alipay+ payments in Saudi stores. Both services will operate on the Kingdom National payment system, Mada.

These measures are in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which is to expand the digital economy, make 70% of transactions cashless by 2025, and enhance financial inclusivity. The initiatives also support the Financial Sector Development Program, which is also included in the Vision 2030.

SAMA Governor Ayman Al-Sayari said Saudi Arabia’s fintech sector has grown rapidly, from 82 companies in 2022 to 281 by August 2025. The sector has attracted SR9 billion ($2.39 billion) in investments, making it one of the most attractive for investors.

The payment system in the country is currently one of the most developed in the world.
In 2024, electronic payments accounted for 79 percent of retail transactions, reaching 12.6 billion, up from 10.8 billion in 2023.

Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the Saudi financial market is worth over SR2.4 trillion and is adopting artificial intelligence tools to improve services.

Officials said these moves show Saudi Arabia’s commitment to secure, easy-to-use digital payments and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in fintech and financial technology solutions.