Qatar’s payment system processed QR13.9 billion through 50.5 million transactions in April 2025, according to new data released by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB).
The lion’s share (58%) came from point-of-sale (PoS) transactions, totalling QR8.05bn across 40.11 million swipes, taps, and scans. E-commerce came in strong too, accounting for 26% or QR3.54bn across nearly 9 million online transactions.
Instant payments are also gaining serious traction in the country. Fawran, Qatar’s instant payment system launched by the QCB, handled QR2.11bn via 1.3 million transactions in April alone.
With 3.03 million registered Fawran accounts and round-the-clock availability, it’s clear Qataris are warming up to real-time transfers. Mobile payment system, however, still trail behind, making up just 1% of total transactions.
The broader regional story? Qatar’s cashless momentum aligns with a larger trend sweeping the MENA region, where governments are doubling down on digital transformation strategies to reduce cash dependency and boost financial inclusion.
NAPS, Fawran the Shift to Smarter Payment System
Behind Qatar’s digital leap is a robust infrastructure, namely the National Network System for ATMs and Points of Sale (NAPS), which has been the country’s central payment backbone since 1996.
NAPS is not only EMV-compliant (meaning it meets international chip card security standards) but was also upgraded in 2023 to support features like tokenised and cardless payments.
The QCB reports that NAPS accepts cards issued by banks regulated in Qatar, the GCC, and Egypt, making it one of the region’s most interoperable systems.
Then there’s Fawran, hailed as one of the QCB’s most forward-looking initiatives. Designed to enable instant fund transfers “within moments,” the system was built to the highest tech and security standards, offering uninterrupted 24/7 service.
According to QCB, “Fawran is part of the third strategy for the financial sector, developed to enhance payment infrastructure and align with global digital trends.”
QCB adds that the aim is not just speed or convenience but lowering the cost of transactions, offering broader access to payment services, and modernising how the economy moves money.
As digital finance rapidly becomes the new normal across the GCC, Qatar’s focus on tech-powered systems like Fawran and NAPS is setting a solid example for neighbouring markets looking to leapfrog into the future.
