Saudi fintech barq has announced a major partnership with Alipay+, the cross-border payment solution from Ant International, to introduce global QR payments for its users. The move will allow barq’s customer base of over 12 million to make seamless payments abroad by scanning QR codes at merchants that accept Alipay+.
Quick Facts
- Service for over 12 million barq users.
- Available across more than 220 global markets.
- First MENA partner for outbound Alipay+ payments.
Connecting Saudi Wallets to the World
This collaboration effectively transforms the barq digital wallet into a global payment tool. Users traveling to destinations in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the UK will be able to pay for goods and services in sectors like retail, dining, transport, and healthcare without needing a physical card.
The service is integrated directly into the barq app, allowing customers to use their local wallet to transact at any international merchant displaying an Alipay+ QR code. The rollout is scheduled to begin progressively starting from May 2026.
A Milestone for Saudi Fintech and Vision 2030
According to the announcement, barq is the first Alipay+ partner in the Middle East to enable outbound cross-border QR payments. This initiative directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to accelerate the shift towards digital payments and reduce the economy’s reliance on cash.
The partnership also marks a significant step in expanding the Kingdom’s digital financial infrastructure, positioning it as a key player in the global payments ecosystem.
Ahmed Alenazi, CEO and founder of barq, said:
“This collaboration enables our customers to pay globally with the same simplicity they experience locally, setting a new benchmark for Saudi fintech and accelerating our vision of connecting users to the global economy.”
Pietro Candela, General Manager of EMEA at Alipay+, added:
“Alipay+ is delighted to partner with barq to promote QR payments from the Kingdom, directly supporting its Vision 2030 goals for innovation.”
About barq
barq is a Saudi Arabian financial technology company that offers a digital wallet and a suite of payment solutions. The platform is designed to provide users with simple and secure financial services, aligning with the Kingdom’s broader push for digital transformation.
Source: Fintech News AE
