Saudi Arabia’s central bank launches Google Pay and announces Alipay+ acceptance by 2026

Google Pay has officially launched in Saudi Arabia via the national Mada network, enabling secure digital transactions. SAMA also announced Alipay+ acceptance by 2026, enhancing cross-border payments. These moves align with Vision 2030 goals to boost financial inclusion and reduce cash use. Saudi’s fintech sector has surged, attracting $2.39 billion in investments and achieving 79% electronic retail payments.