Qatari national payment card expands cross-border usage for purchases and cash withdrawals across Kuwait
As part of its Third Financial Sector Strategy, Qatar Central Bank (QCB) continues to strengthen digital payment systems and deepen financial cooperation across the GCC. In a significant regional milestone, QCB has announced that the national Himyan payment card is now accepted by merchants and ATMs throughout the State of Kuwait.
With this expansion, Himyan cardholders can complete retail purchase transactions and make cash withdrawals at points of sale and ATMs across Kuwait, in line with the highest security and consumer protection standards, according to local reports.
QCB stated that the move reflects its commitment to delivering reliable, secure, and efficient national payment solutions while enhancing interoperability within the regional payments ecosystem. The central bank fully owns, manages, and operates the Himyan system, ensuring end-to-end oversight and resilience.
The cross-border acceptance of Himyan also supports QCB’s broader objective of advancing GCC payment integration, enabling smoother financial transactions for individuals travelling or doing business within the region.
Launched as Qatar’s first national commercial payment card, Himyan forms a core part of QCB’s efforts to modernise digital financial infrastructure, reduce reliance on international card schemes, and expand access to localised payment options that meet global standards.
This latest development marks another step toward a more connected and interoperable GCC digital payments landscape, reinforcing Qatar’s role in regional financial innovation.
