SAMA Announces the Launch of Google Pay Service in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Central Bank has officially launched Google Pay across the Kingdom through integration with the national payment system mada, enabling users to add their mada cards to Google Wallet for contactless payments.

The launch brings Google's mobile wallet to Saudi Arabia's Android user base, complementing the Apple Pay and Samsung Pay services that are already available in the market. SAMA's direct involvement in facilitating the launch reflects the strategic importance the regulator places on expanding mobile payment options to achieve the Kingdom's cashless payment targets.

Google Pay's integration with the mada network ensures that the mobile wallet works seamlessly with the domestic card infrastructure that underpins retail payments in Saudi Arabia. mada cards, issued by all Saudi banks, are the most widely held payment cards in the Kingdom, making their compatibility with Google Pay essential for broad adoption.

The launch follows SAMA's earlier facilitation of Samsung Pay's entry into the Saudi market and reflects a systematic approach to ensuring that all major mobile wallet platforms are available to Saudi consumers. The availability of Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and now Google Pay covers virtually all smartphone users in the Kingdom regardless of device preference.

Saudi Arabia has made significant progress toward its Vision 2030 target of 70% cashless payment transactions, with mobile payments playing an increasingly important role in driving this shift. The addition of Google Pay removes one of the remaining gaps in mobile payment availability.

Saudi banks are expected to enable Google Pay support for their mada cards progressively following the launch.