BankDhofar Introduces Dhofar-Pay, Revolutionizing Contactless Payment

BankDhofar has introduced Dhofar-Pay, a contactless payment service that enables customers to securely add their debit cards to NFC-enabled Android phones, turning their devices into digital payment cards.

The service represents a significant step in Oman's digital payments evolution, allowing BankDhofar customers to make tap-to-pay purchases at contactless-enabled merchants without carrying a physical card. The bank said the solution uses advanced tokenisation technology to ensure transaction security, with each payment authenticated through the device's built-in security features.

Dhofar-Pay is accessible through BankDhofar's existing mobile banking application, with card provisioning completed in a few steps. Once activated, customers can use their smartphones for in-store payments wherever contactless terminals are available, which covers an expanding network of retailers across Oman.

The launch positions BankDhofar as a pioneer in mobile payments within the Omani market, where cash has traditionally dominated retail transactions. The bank said Dhofar-Pay is part of its wider strategy to deliver innovative digital banking solutions that align with the Sultanate's Vision 2040 economic diversification goals.

Contactless payment adoption has been accelerating across the Gulf region, driven by consumer preferences for speed and convenience as well as merchant investment in modern point-of-sale infrastructure. BankDhofar's entry into the space brings Oman closer to parity with neighbouring markets like the UAE and Bahrain, where mobile wallet penetration is significantly higher.