Doha: In line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has introduced Apple Pay for its Himyan cardholders in Qatar. Apple Pay allows users to make payments in-store, in-app, and online with added security and privacy.
According to Qatar News Agency, customers can make contactless payments in-store by double-clicking the side button, authenticating, and holding their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal. Apple Pay purchases are secure, authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode, and use a unique dynamic security code for each transaction.
Apple Pay is accepted at grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and other locations that support contactless payments, as explained by QCB. HE Deputy Governor of the Qatar Central Bank Sheikh Ahmed bin Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Thani emphasized QCB's commitment to digital transformation in the financial sector and its efforts to provide innovative banking services and secure payment solutions.
He stated that QCB prioritizes investing in technologies that enhance efficiency in the national financial ecosystem. By introducing Apple Pay, QCB aims to align with international benchmarks and bring banking services closer to the community.
Customers can use Apple Pay on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac for faster purchases in apps or on the web, without the need for additional accounts or repeated data entry. Security and privacy are central to Apple Pay; card numbers are not stored on devices or Apple servers but are instead encrypted and stored securely.
Setting up Apple Pay is straightforward. Users can open the Wallet app on their iPhone, tap +, and follow the steps to add Himyan credit or debit cards. Once a card is added, Apple Pay can be used immediately, with customers continuing to enjoy Himyan card rewards and benefits.