Apple Pay Expands to Jaywan and Himyan Credit Card Networks in Qatar and UAE

Apple Pay Expanding to Qatar and UAE

Apple Pay is set to become available to a wider user base in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as two credit card networks, Jaywan of the UAE and Himyan of Qatar, are expected to introduce support for the contactless payment service. This expansion comes years after Apple Pay's initial launch in these regions in 2017 and 2021, respectively.

Credit Card Network Support

• Jaywan (UAE): A support document from Jaywan indicates plans to integrate Apple Pay alongside Samsung Wallet and Google Pay, enhancing payment options for users.
• Himyan (Qatar): While no official statements have been made by Himyan, references in the iOS 18.4 developer beta suggest upcoming support.

Challenges and Progress

Apple Pay has faced challenges, particularly in the early stages of its launch in the US, where it required significant consumer education and merchant collaboration to increase adoption. According to Jennifer Bailey, Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, the service now boasts over 90% merchant acceptance in the US.

Timeline and Future Updates

The integration of Jaywan and Himyan credit card networks into Apple Pay is expected to roll out with the release of iOS 18.4 in April, alongside other features like an Apple Vision Pro app and new emoji characters.