Qlub, a leading fintech innovator in the hospitality sector, has announced a strategic collaboration with Mastercard to advance digital and contactless payments across the GCC. The partnership, which includes a minority investment from Mastercard in Qlub, marks a significant step towards enhancing the digital payment landscape and meeting the growing demand for seamless, technology-driven dining experiences.
By the Numbers
Founded in 2021, the Dubai-headquartered startup has demonstrated rapid growth across the region:
- $30 Million: The value of a recent funding round Qlub closed to take its smart dining experience global.
- 3,000+ Restaurants: The number of restaurants currently using Qlub’s seamless QR code-based table payment technology.
- 3,000,000+ Users: The number of users served by the platform.
- 10 Countries: The number of countries where Qlub has established operations.
A Partnership to Enhance the Dining Experience
The collaboration is built on a shared vision of innovation and trust in payments. John Mady, Managing Director, UAE, at Qlub, stated, “By combining Qlub’s frictionless QR-based dining technology with Mastercard’s global expertise and secure infrastructure, we’re reimagining how guests and restaurants connect. Together, we aim to make every dining experience faster, safer, and more rewarding — not just in the GCC, but wherever great food brings people together”.
Backed by a Global Payments Leader
The partnership underscores Mastercard’s commitment to supporting fintech innovators. As part of the agreement, Mastercard will process Qlub’s card-not-present transactions through the Mastercard Gateway in key markets, including the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. This follows Qlub’s participation in Start Path, Mastercard’s award-winning startup engagement program, in 2023.
“This collaboration with Qlub represents Mastercard’s commitment to driving digital transformation,” said Gina Petersen-Skyrme, Senior Vice President and Country Manager, UAE and Oman, at Mastercard. “By combining Qlub’s cutting-edge QR-based payment technology with Mastercard’s global expertise, we’re delivering simpler, faster, and more secure payment experiences for restaurants and consumers alike”.
Source: Zawya
