Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) announced that Tap to Pay on iPhone will soon be available in Saudi Arabia, expanding payment acceptance options for merchants.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of Money20/20 Middle East 2026 in Riyadh. The feature allows businesses to accept contactless payments directly through a compatible iPhone, without requiring additional payment terminals or hardware.

Tap to Pay on iPhone supports major contactless payment cards, including Visa and Mastercard, as well as compatible digital wallets. Customers can complete transactions by holding their contactless card or device near the merchant’s iPhone.

The technology is designed to provide businesses with a simpler way to accept in-person payments while maintaining secure and private transactions. It also eliminates the need for additional terminals or hardware, potentially making payment acceptance more accessible to smaller businesses and merchants.

Worth noting, Money20/20 Middle East, the region's leading fintech event, took place from 14 to 16 September in Riyadh, bringing together over 600 investors, more than 350 brands, over 350 speakers, and more than 150 startups.