QNB Syria, a subsidiary of QNB Group, has partnered with Mastercard to launch the first internationally accepted payment card in Syria. This initiative, announced during a ceremony attended by Mohammed Safwat Raslan, the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, aims to enhance the country’s digital payments landscape and provide eligible customers with access to international payment capabilities, as reported by Gulf Times.
The launch represents a significant milestone in the collaboration between QNB Group and Mastercard, which has already seen the introduction of international card acceptance capabilities in Syria. This development reconnects the country’s payments ecosystem to Mastercard’s global network and marks the first transaction using an internationally issued Mastercard card in over 15 years.
Transactions will be processed through international point-of-sale infrastructure, demonstrating the readiness of the systems established to facilitate international card acceptance. The newly issued Mastercard cards will allow eligible QNB Syria customers to make secure payments globally, enhancing their access to modern payment solutions.
The rollout of the card will be phased and controlled, ensuring operational readiness as QNB Syria expands its offerings of advanced payment products and services. This initiative is expected to provide customers with a simple, secure, and convenient payment experience while connecting them to Mastercard’s extensive global payments network.
Governor Raslan emphasised the importance of advancing a secure and inclusive electronic payments ecosystem, stating that this initiative is fundamental to strengthening Syria’s banking infrastructure and enhancing its connectivity with global payment networks. He noted that the launch of the locally issued Mastercard card is a crucial step in expanding access to digital banking services and empowering consumers and businesses.
Adam Jones, division president for West Arabia at Mastercard, highlighted that this launch is a pivotal moment in the evolution of Syria’s payments ecosystem. He stated that the collaboration with QNB Group aims to connect customers to secure digital payment experiences and the global economy.
Khalid Ahmed al-Sada, senior executive vice president at QNB Group, remarked that for the first time in over 15 years, customers in Syria will have access to international payment capabilities. He described this development as a significant advancement for the country’s payments landscape, reflecting QNB Group’s commitment to leveraging its international network and local infrastructure to enhance customer choice and security.
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