Saudi Arabia’s national payment system mada has launched Apple Pay in the kingdom, in association with Mastercard.
Initially, the service will be offered to National Commercial Bank and Riyad Bank cardholders.
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Apple Pay Saudi Arabia
mada managing director Ziyad Al-Yousef said: “The rollout of this fast and convenient solution is poised to transform how consumers in the Kingdom pay for goods and services, and is an important step in the government’s ongoing digitisation drive in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Financial Sector Development Program (FSDP).”
Apple Pay does not store the actual card numbers on the device or its server.
Instead, it allots a unique device account number that is stored on the device after encryption.
Transactions on Apple Pay are authenticated through a one-time unique dynamic security code.
For in-store purchases, the mobile payment platform is compatible with iPhone SE, iPhone 6 and later, and Apple Watch.
For making online purchases in apps and on websites accepting Apple Pay, users have to avail the Touch ID feature.
Mastercard Saudi Arabia and Bahrain general manager J.K. Khalil said: “The speed and simplicity of Apple Pay, coupled with the peace of mind Mastercard’s multi-tiered approach to safety and security brings to every purchase, will further accelerate the uptake of cashless transactions in the region and contribute to our global vision of a world beyond cash.”
