Google Pay Launches Across Saudi Arabia

Google Pay and Google Wallet have launched in Saudi Arabia via the Kingdom's national payment system, the Mada network. At the Money 20/20 conference in Riyadh on September 15th, a deal was also signed that will enable Alipay+ transactions throughout the Kingdom beginning in 2026.

The move lets global digital wallet users, including Alipay+ holders, pay securely at stores participating in the network. Mada debit cards and digital credit cards will be manageable through Google Wallet, aiming to make the payment process smoother for residents and visitors alike.

Electronic payments in Saudi Arabia have seen huge growth since 2016, and by the end of 2024 reached nearly 80 percent. Saudi Arabia’s central bank is pushing for financial inclusion and trying to expand its tech offerings in smart devices.