Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – October 23, 2024 – Mastercard has announced the launch of a world-class technology infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, designed to enhance the processing of e-commerce transactions locally. This significant development promises to deliver a seamless and secure payment experience for Mastercard partners and consumers, supporting the Kingdom’s digital commerce acceleration.
Under the patronage of The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the introduction of Mastercard Gateway marks a major milestone in the company’s efforts to drive digital transformation, economic diversification, and innovation across Saudi Arabia. By establishing this advanced infrastructure, Mastercard is expanding its footprint in the region, further cementing its role as a trusted technology partner contributing to the Kingdom’s digital economy goals.
Mastercard Gateway serves as a single touchpoint for payment and digital acceptance solutions, seamlessly connecting local and global markets. The platform supports more than 30 payment methods and offers cutting-edge risk management tools, including fraud detection and prevention. With these advancements, merchants will benefit from enhanced security and efficiency, while consumers enjoy robust protection against cybercrime.
“This infrastructure is a landmark moment that reinforces our long-term commitment to digitization and diversification in Saudi Arabia,” said Adam Jones, Division President, West Arabia at Mastercard. “As we continue working closely with local leadership, we aim to fuel the payments ecosystem in the Kingdom, empowering both its people and businesses.”
Mastercard has witnessed extensive growth in digital payment acceptance in Saudi Arabia, driven by its secure payment solutions for consumers and businesses alike. The rapid evolution of the Kingdom’s financial ecosystem—fueled by innovative solutions in fintech, cybersecurity, retail, and e-commerce—continues to strengthen Mastercard’s presence in the region.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, this project aims to enhance the nation’s digital payment platforms and ecosystems, driving economic growth through localized technology. The Mastercard Gateway platform, integrated with a global network of over 200 acquirers, provides access to more than 110 million acceptance locations worldwide, including over 500,000 merchants in Saudi Arabia. In 2023, the Gateway processed more than 950 million transactions across various payment methods, supporting the expansion of digital commerce in the Kingdom.
Mastercard’s unveiling of this infrastructure represents a pivotal step in shaping the future of payments in Saudi Arabia, with long-term impacts on its economic development and digital transformation.
