In a landmark announcement made during the official launch of MENA InsureLab Accelerator at DIFC Academy in Dubai last Friday, MANGUSTEEN, the organizing force behind the MENA Fintech Festival, confirmed a new strategic partnership that will see the birth of the MENA Insurtech Festival — a dedicated platform spotlighting innovation in insurance technology. The new…
Launch of Qatar’s National FinTech Strategy 2023 In March 2023, the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) launched the “Qatar National FinTech Strategy 2023,” aiming to transform Qatar into a digitally advanced nation and a financial technology hub. The strategy focuses on enhancing innovation in the financial sector, attracting foreign direct investments, and building future skills…
Qatar’s fintech sector has seen remarkable growth over the past five years, driven by the government’s Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes digitalization and a cashless economy, Mohammed Al-Delaimi, CEO and Co-Founder of PayLater, Qatar’s first fully licensed Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform has said. “The QCB’s fintech strategy, including a five-year roadmap for…
Middle East’s financial landscape is poised for both continuity and transformation in 2025. While traditional banking metrics signal stability, FinTech is reshaping how financial services are delivered, reflecting a sector where innovation and resilience coexist. Fitch Ratings’ latest Middle East Banks Outlook 2025 paints a ‘neutral’ picture for the region’s banking sector. Credit growth is…
The growth of Artificial Intelligence in the Fintech market is fueled by the increasing need for intelligent financial solutions that enhance customer experience, reduce risks, and improve decision-making in real time. The SNS Insider report indicates that the AI in the fintech market was valued at USD 12.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to…
The UK and Qatar are set to enter major agreements as the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani wraps up his official state visit to the UK. The deal will put the spotlight on cooperation and development of the UK’s fintech and green finance sectors. Qatar’s delegation will be hosted at Downing Street by…
The third edition of the MENA Fintech Festival concluded yesterday, following a three day affair that saw fintech leaders and key players coming together to remark on the financial landscape across the region. The opening ceremony of the three-day event witnessed the participation of the Assistant Governor for Financial Instruments and Payment Systems at Qatar…
Qatar Development Bank (QDB) announces a strategic investment in Wahed, a global Shariah-compliant fintech. Wahed currently manages over $1 billion in assets and has attracted over 400,000 clients worldwide. The company is built on the principles of democratizing access to financial services and offers clients access to Shariah-compliant investments in its mobile app. Wahed removes…
Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has announced that the payment services through the national e-Commerce Gateway (QPay) is now available through using (FAWRAN) instant payment service. The service allows merchants to register with the service to help them accept payment transactions for the purchases customers make by using this service. Provision of multiple options for customers…
Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), a leading onshore financial and business hub in the region, has been recognized with three notable awards, highlighting its dedication to fostering innovation in financial services and impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Among the accolades is the esteemed Emerging Technology Initiative Award, presented at the 8th Middle East Enterprise AI…
