Visa has created a new regional hub for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman to speed up digital payments growth. This move, announced in December 2025, aims to help these countries reach cashless goals and support local economies through better tech and partnerships.
Strategic Move for Growth
Visa made this change as part of its plan in the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa area. The company wants to work closer with banks, fintech firms, and businesses in these three nations.
Ali Bailoun now leads the hub as group country manager from Riyadh. With more than 20 years in payments and banking, he will guide efforts to innovate and expand services.
This hub builds on Visa’s long history in the region, over 40 years strong. It comes after opening a new office and innovation center in Riyadh last year.
Aligning with National Goals
Saudi Arabia leads with its Vision 2030 plan, targeting 80 percent cashless transactions. The kingdom is already at 79 percent, showing fast progress.
Bahrain and Oman also push for digital economies. Bahrain sees a 22.8 percent rise in point-of-sale deals, hitting $217.9 million from January to October 2025.
Oman opens doors to crypto services, licensing virtual asset providers to diversify under Vision 2040.
Visa supports these by hosting its acceptance platform on local clouds in Saudi Arabia. This helps e-commerce grow and meets rules from bodies like the Saudi Central Bank.
Key Benefits and Impacts
The hub promises faster digital transformation. It lets Visa offer tailored solutions for secure payments and financial inclusion.
Experts say this could boost tourism and trade. For example, Saudi visitors drive Bahrain’s tourism, with 9.7 million expected in 2025, lifting hospitality and retail.
Here are some expected outcomes:
- Increased cashless adoption across the region.
- More jobs in fintech and payments sectors.
- Stronger ties with global networks for cross-border deals.
Visa also plans to issue cards and enable digital wallets in new markets, like its recent deal in Syria.
Leadership and Future Plans
Tareq Muhmood, Visa’s regional president, calls this a step for agility and client focus. He notes these markets are dynamic and full of potential.
Bailoun is excited to partner on innovation. He highlights how Visa’s tools help businesses thrive in a digital world.
The company invests in tech like B2B Connect for secure cross-border payments, seen in Qatar’s recent launches.
Economic Context and Trends
Digital payments surge in the Gulf. The region nears 80 percent cashless rates, driven by government pushes and consumer shifts.
| Country | Cashless Target | Current Rate | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 80% by 2030 | 79% | Vision 2030 |
| Bahrain | High adoption | Growing POS by 22.8% | Tourism from Saudi |
| Oman | Diversification | Opening to crypto | Vision 2040 |
This table shows progress and drivers. Related events include new GCC visa rules starting 2026, easing travel and boosting digital commerce.
Crypto adoption grows too, with the UAE ranking high globally. Visa’s moves fit into this trend, linking traditional and new finance.
Challenges and Opportunities
While growth is strong, challenges remain like cyber threats and regulation needs. Visa focuses on secure systems to build trust.
Opportunities abound in e-commerce and fintech. The hub positions Visa to lead, creating value for consumers and economies.
Overall, this development signals a bright future for digital payments in the region.
What do you think about Visa’s new hub? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to friends interested in finance and tech.
