Latest news with #contactlesspayment
Zawya
21-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MDP enables tokenization for secure electronic transactions in collaboration with Meeza and Apple Pay
Cairo, Egypt – MDP, Africa's leading digital payments enabler, proudly announces a major milestone in advancing secure digital payments to become the first payment processor in Egypt to enable tokenization for electronic transactions, in strategic collaboration with the National Payment Scheme 'Meeza' via Apple Wallet. This achievement marks the successful completion of the token provisioning phase, enabling the authorization of tokenized transactions. As a result, all banks and fintechs in Egypt can now offer their customers the ability to digitally provision their physical cards into Apple Wallet, transforming any compatible iPhone or Apple device into a secure, contactless payment tool. With tokenization, sensitive card data is replaced with a unique digital token, significantly enhancing transaction security and minimizing the risk of fraud. This launch introduces a new digital transaction method in Egypt, one where consumers can pay using their smartphones or smartwatches, authenticated through Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode. Each transaction is authorized using a one-time, dynamic security code, ensuring that actual card details are never stored on the device or shared with merchants. Consumers can now enjoy a seamless, fast, and highly secure payment experience across both POS terminals and e-commerce platforms using their cards on Apple devices. This launch aligns with the vision set by the Central Bank of Egypt following the introduction of the card tokenization service, aimed at accelerating secure, digital payment adoption nationwide. According to the Central Bank, the value of POS transactions reached approximately EGP 640 billion by the end of 2024, reflecting a 280% increase from EGP 169 billion in 2021. In parallel, e-commerce transactions exceeded EGP 180 billion, up from EGP 29 billion in 2021, marking growth of over 500%. Tokenization plays a key role in supporting this expansion by enabling safer, faster, and more convenient digital transactions across all channels. 'This marks a critical step forward for Egypt's digital economy. By becoming the first to enable tokenization, MDP is unlocking a secure and scalable future for payments in Egypt. Through our collaboration with Meeza and Apple, we're enabling every bank and fintech to offer customers safe, contactless payments using the cards they already trust.' said Ahmed Nafie, CEO & Co-founder of MDP. This is not just a technical milestone, it's a turning point in how payments are made in Egypt. By successfully completing the provisioning phase, we've enabled every physical card to go digital. This means any bank or fintech can now securely tokenize their cards and offer seamless digital payments through Apple Wallet. It's a foundational step toward building an open, secure, and future-ready payments ecosystem and we're proud to be at the forefront of this transformation' added Hisham Mohy, COO of Processing at MDP. With Egypt's payment landscape rapidly evolving, MDP's enablement of token provisioning and transaction authorization stands as a foundational advancement, positioning Egypt among the global leaders in digital payment innovation.
Wamda
21-07-2025
- Business
- Wamda
Qlub closes $30 million round backed by Shorooq, e&, and Mubadala
UAE-based fintech Qlub has raised $30 million in a new funding round to fuel global expansion. The round was co-led by Shorooq Partners and Cherry Ventures, with participation from e&, Mubadala Investments, and Legend Capital. Founded in 2021 by Eyad Alkassar and Mahmoud Fouz, Qlub is a contactless dining payment platform that enables diners to instantly view menus, order, and pay via smartphone. With the new funding, Qlub will expand into new geographies, enhance product analytics, and deepen integration with hospitality platforms. Clients report 300% more tips, 80% faster checkout, and significant labour savings. In 2021, Qlub secured a $25 million funding round, led by Cherry Ventures and Point Nine, with participation from STV, Raed Ventures, Heartcore, Shorooq Partners and FinTech Collective. Press release: Qlub, the ultra-fast payment system in restaurants, has become ubiquitous across Dubai's vibrant dining scene. Following its runaway success in the UAE, Qlub has announced the closure of a $30 million funding round to take its smart dining experience global. The round was co-led by the region's leading alternative investment firm, Shorooq, and Cherry Ventures, with major backing from strategic partners including e&, Mubadala Investments, and Legend Capital. This latest funding round underscores the growing demand for seamless, technology-driven dining experiences and positions Qlub to accelerate its global expansion, enhance its product offerings, and further integrate its solutions into the hospitality ecosystem. "From the very beginning, we saw in Qlub more than just a payments solution—we saw a new infrastructure for how hospitality should work in a digital-first world. Eyad and Mahmoud and the team have consistently proven that they can blend product innovation with deep market understanding, unlocking new behaviour at the intersection of tech and experience," noted Mahmoud Adi, Founding Partner at Shorooq. "We are proud to have backed Qlub from the earliest days and remain committed to supporting visionary companies redefining everyday moments across emerging markets." Founded in 2021 by Eyad Alkassar and Mahmoud Fouz, Qlub has rapidly emerged as a pioneer in the contactless payment space, offering QR-based solutions that allow diners to view menus, place orders, and settle bills seamlessly using their smartphones. By eliminating the need for physical menus and traditional payment methods, Qlub enhances operational efficiency for restaurants and provides a frictionless experience for customers. With a presence in thousands of establishments across many markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Brazil, Qatar, Kuwait, and Korea, Qlub has demonstrated significant traction in diverse markets. It is now processing a few billion USD annually and serves millions of customers on a monthly basis, making it the leading QR payment solution for restaurants globally. Notable clients include Paul Cafe, Wagamama, Sushi Samba, and La Petite Maison (LPM), where the implementation of Qlub's solutions has led to strong improvements in customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Qlub clients report a 300% increase in tips, a sevenfold increase in positive Google reviews, an 80% reduction in checkout line by streamlining the process, reducing labour costs, and decreasing the number of required cashiers by an average of a third, and an overall improvement in space utilisation by minimising the need for multiple cashier counters. "From day one, Qlub has shown how technology can simplify and modernise hospitality. We backed them at seed and are thrilled to support them again as they scale their solution globally and change how restaurants operate," added Filip Dames, Founding Partner of Cherry Ventures. "We look forward to supporting their continued success." The participation of industry leaders such as e& and Mubadala Investments in this funding round reflects the strategic importance of Qlub's solutions in the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry. "Qlub's innovative approach to enhancing the dining experience aligns with our commitment to supporting digital transformation in the region," said Khalifa Alshamsi, CEO of e& Life. "We are excited to partner with Qlub as they continue to redefine the standards of service in the hospitality sector." With the new funding, Qlub plans to: Expand its presence in existing markets and enter new regions. Enhance its product offerings by integrating advanced analytics and insights to provide restaurants with a deeper understanding of customer behavior and preferences. Strengthen partnerships with key players in the hospitality and technology sectors to drive further innovation and adoption of contactless payment solutions. 'Our vision is simple: Qlub makes paying at restaurants ten times faster—and that elevates the entire dining experience,' said Eyad Alkassar, co-founder and co-CEO of Qlub. 'Why would any restaurant, anywhere in the world, choose to operate without it?" 'We're thrilled to have the support of investors, both new and existing partners, as we continue to build Qlub's vision,' said Mahmoud Fouz, co-founder and co-CEO of Qlub. 'We're grateful for the confidence our investors have placed in us and excited for what lies ahead.
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Tap‘N'Go from Bank Muscat: Enhanced payment experience
Muscat: As the Khareef season now underway, attracting thousands of visitors to Dhofar, Bank Muscat, the leading financial service provider in the Sultanate of Oman, continues to provide the latest digital solutions to facilitate payment processes. The Bank offers the Tap'N'Go payment service which is a contactless payment service, enabling merchants and business owners, to accept card payments directly via their smartphones. This service is an ideal option for small businesses such as food trucks and stalls, allowing them to receive payments from international visitors quickly and easily, without the need for point-of-sale devices or cash handling. Any Android smart device can accept payments using the Tap'N'Go application, which supports all major cards that comply with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. The service targets home-based business owners, small retail shop owners, food truck and cafe owners, delivery companies, taxi drivers, startups and other business owners. Customers who are holding a merchant account with Bank Muscat can enjoy a seamless and secure payment experience through Tap'N'Go payment service, especially during the Khareef season. The Tap'N'Go payment service is an important addition to the digital payment options offered by Bank Muscat. This service enhances customer experience, especially during the summer and travel season when visitors need fast and efficient payment solutions. This service will enable merchants to receive payments more efficiently, contributing to the economic activity in Dhofar. The Tap'N'Go payment service is part of a broader range of digital solutions launched by Bank Muscat, including Samsung Pay, Apple Pay and QR code payments, enhancing customer experiences and facilitating daily financial transactions. Bank Muscat is keen to adopt top-notch banking services, enabling customers to complete their transactions safely in no time. The innovative digital solutions are designed to meet customers' needs and fulfill their changing requirements. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Irish Times
27-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Letters to the Editor, June 27th: On contactless travel payment, Tusla and security guards and brave women
Sir, – I have family in Dublin and visit regularly. I've always been surprised that the transport system does not accept contactless payment. I then read that it will take five years, yes that is correct five years to introduce a system that London introduced in a two- year period over a decade ago. (' Dublin transport contactless payments delayed until 2029, ' June 26th). I live in Oxford and here we have had contactless for seven years. It took 18 months to introduce. I also have family in Belfast. They have contactless payment for public transport – it took less than two years to introduce. READ MORE Why is Dublin so incompetent? London has much higher levels of complexity and scale. Belfast does not have the resources as we are continually told by those comparing the much richer South. Yet they seem to be able to manage the project in a timely fashion. What is going on? Is this another children's hospital fiasco with the potential for rising costs and no proper programme management? Why has Dublin not used Flowbird as in Belfast or other suppliers who can deliver a timely system? And why does the Government not have a joined up strategy to have contactless payment across all major urban centres in Ireland and thus get scale economies and cost savings? This is just another indicator of Ireland's inability to develop infrastructure at scale and speed which the citizens deserve. – Yours, etc, DR MARC THOMPSON, Oxford, England. Sir, – I am currently in Corfu where having used their public buses, you can pay by bus pass, cash and contactless payments on the bus. The Government are doing their darnest to get people out of cars and yet they are not making it easy for customers to choose alternative methods of transport, which is the key in getting them to use them. Greece, a country with far fewer resources than Ireland, can manage what we can't for another four years. It is mind boggling. – Yours, etc, NIAMH BYRNE, Fairview, Dublin 3. Sir, – The National Transport Authority (NTA) says it will take three-plus years to deliver contactless payments. If this was Ryanair it would be introduced tomorrow, crash, bang, wallop, and no shopping bags. – Yours, etc, KEN BUGGY, Ballyduff Co Waterford Ireland and the Middle East Sir, – With regards to the recent debate in Ireland about the Middle East, Dr Ed Abrahamson (Letters, June 26th) accuses Tánaiste Simon Harris of at times resorting to 'ugly' rhetoric. Are the Tánaiste's statements as ugly as the aerial bombardment, forced starvation and the inexplicable shootings of Palestinians queuing for food supplies in areas which have been designated by Israel? Dr Abrahamson expressed his concern that Ireland's pro-Palestinian stand in relation to the conflict in Gaza may have a more long-term, negative impact on the Irish economy. He pointed to the threat that hospital patients could be deprived of Israel's latest medical advances. If such outcomes were to come about, it would be most unfortunate but surely nothing as calamitous as the hellish experience the Palestinians are being subjected to – day in, day out in Gaza. As regards his closing remarks, where he questioned Ireland's retention of its reputation as a country that extends a warm welcome to all visitors regardless of their background, Dr Abrahamson can be assured that this country will go down in history as having campaigned for the most basic right of Palestinians to survive. Not just that, but to live freely, without apartheid, and prosper in their own homeland. Such hopes may seem a long way off right now, but Ireland must remain steadfast in its support of humanity. – Yours, etc, MICHAEL CULLEN, Sandycove, Co Dublin. Sir,– In response to Dr Ed Abrahamson, I suggest that he carefully consider what has been said by the Government in relation to Gaza. The Government has never expressed support for Hamas. In fact, quite the contrary. Rather, they are expressing grave concern about some of the behaviour of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in relation to the people of Gaza and the appalling way these people are being treated. I am wondering if an ally has to agree and approve of everything an allied State does? So many countries are reluctant to challenge Israel regarding the treatment of Palestinian children, women and men because they are allies of Israel. I find that astounding. Surely a 'friend' can question and challenge what an ally is doing? In fact, I would suggest that this is part of what a true friend does. What Israel is doing in Gaza is unconscionable. Killing people who are simply gathering to get food is beyond belief. It is clear that Israel is using food as a weapon of war and it appears to be their goal to starve the people of Gaza. Surely, as a friend and an ally we can challenge this and I hope that many more allies will join us in challenging what Israel is doing. – Yours, etc, PAULA MOLLOY, Baldoyle, Dublin 13. Security guards and children Sir, – I refer to your story: ('Security guards will be hired to restrain children in State care during violent episodes', June 26th). That Tusla, the agency responsible for child welfare and protection, has decided to hire security services in child residential centres, makes for depressing reading. Undoubtedly, the decision was taken with due regard to professional advice, staff consultation and adherence to proper governance. It is nonetheless, an enormous admission of failure, not just for Tusla, but for the whole of government and the whole of society that physical restraint is to become a key tool in the management and care of vulnerable children. Since the early 1990s, Irish society has been witness to a purgative opening up of past, previously unacknowledged abuses of children. The revelations continue, underlining that Ireland's reputation as an idyllic, consensus-driven society were seriously misplaced. With new legislation, new resources and the establishment of Tusla, we were invited to believe that this has all changed, that a new, enlightened, secular approach has emerged. Surely, there is someone, or some entity – government department or government agency – who can intervene and order a pause? There must be a better way for protecting children and for protecting those who work with them than to rely on security measures. – Yours, etc, BARRY CULLEN, Rialto, Dublin 8. Grist to meat labelling Sir, – Louisa Moss (Letters, June 26th) suggests that the 'dead animal industry' needs to improve labelling. I would say that the shoe, whether made of vegan 'leather' or not, is on the other foot. We already have a word for 'connective tissue extracted from the dead body of a slaughtered cow' – it's 'beef'. Do we have a word to cover the range of ingredients that 'veggie burgers' and other meat substitutes are made from? Depending on the brand you can have rehydrated textured soya, wheat protein, fungus, wheat flour, sodium alginate (yum,yum) and many other weird and wonderful substances. Many of these products require industrial processing and combining with a wide variety of flavourings to make the appear and taste palatable, and many of them are nothing that an average person would consider a vegetable – who is fooling who? It's not the 'dead animal industry' that are using euphemisms, I don't think you will find anyone who will be surprised to find that beef is dead cow and pork is dead pig. – Yours, etc, CIAN CROSSEN, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin. Domestic violence and pets Sir, – Missing from Mary Carolan's article on the latest report from Women's Aid Ireland is any reference to the use of pets as a tactic of abuse ('Highest number of domestic violence disclosures in 50 years is 'just tip of iceberg', says Women's Aid,' June 25th). The link between animal abuse and domestic violence is well known as abusers will use violence against beloved family pets as a tactic to manipulate and psychologically torment their victims. Domestic violence victims who own pets are particularly vulnerable as no refuge accommodation in Ireland will accept pets. This means that those who are fleeing abuse must often choose either to leave their pet behind with an abuser or to stay with the animal in the abusive home. The DSPCA has launched an initiative to foster the pets of domestic violence victims who are seeking refuge. It's a start but more needs to be done across Ireland to help both domestic violence victims and their pets. – Yours, etc, GRETTA DATTAN, Merrion Road, Dublin. A brave woman Sir, – What a powerful and deeply moving piece by Natasha O'Brien (' I will never be the person who ignores someone else's suffering, ' June 26th). With grace and unflinching honesty, she conveyed the emotional aftermath of her assault and the harrowing experience of the subsequent trial. Her words should be essential reading for anyone who has ever felt bullied, silenced, or afraid. Natasha's courage is not only inspiring – it is a beacon of strength and dignity in the face of injustice. – Yours, etc, GEOFF SCARGILL, Bray, Co Wicklow. Martin O'Neill and Brentford Sir, – Martin O Neill should ditch his grudges and move on from Keith Andrews adverse punditry comments during his time as manager of the Irish soccer team ('O'Neill chief among the doubters as Andrews closes in on Brentford job,' June 25th). Giving Keith a positive affirmation by wishing his fellow Irishman the absolute best in his challenging new job would have been more fitting over his less than magnanimous 'good luck to him' and subsequent comment on his 'much better career than he had.' – Yours, etc, KEVIN McLOUGHLIN, Ballina, Co Mayo. Donegal and anger at the GAA Sir, – Darragh O' Se said it very succinctly: 'Donegal have every right to be angry at six day turnaround. It's riduculous.' He also stated that Donegal are 100 per cent right to be annoyed. The most important point he makes is that the players are the very last to be considered when venues and match dates are decided. The priority for the GAA seems to be cash and TV rights. When these decisions are made by the GAA hierarchy they then present various reasons as to how they arrived at these decisions. In relation to the Donegal v Mayo game, one of the reasons was that some Mayo supporters had just as long to travel to Roscommon as Donegal. No marks for geography there. The reason/excuse for the arrangements for the upcoming quarter finals was that Galway had to travel the previous week. Galway finished third in their group and according to the rules they had to play away last weekend. Donegal finished second in their group and so earned a home draw. Is Donegal being punished because they did better in their group? To add insult to injury, the Donegal/ Monaghan game is not being shown on TV but behind the paywall the pay wall' on GAA plus Now they have to pay for the privilege of watching the game. More cash for the GAA. These decisions and flimsy excuses for them, do not reflect well on the decision makers in the GAA. – Yours, etc, PATRICK BONNER, Dungloe, Co Donegal. Health warnings on alcohol Sir, – The introduction of health warnings on alcohol is now likely to be delayed following further intervention from Tánaiste, Simon Harris suggesting the need to pause the legislation for a variety of reasons, most particularly the situation in relation to trade and tariffs. What he did not mention is that Europe is already home to the world's heaviest drinkers with 80 lives lost due to alcohol every passing hour – 800,000 deaths a year. He did not mention that warning labels will specifically address cancer risks and harm to the unborn. The toxicity of alcohol in pregnancy is not surprising, given its ready transfer across the placenta. Of 58,443 births in Ireland in 2021, the best estimate is that 526 babies were born with foetal alcohol syndrome (the worst form) and a further 2,715 babies were born with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Ireland has the third highest rate of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the world – no mention of this while deciding to delay the introduction of a health warning on alcohol in Ireland. People with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder experience challenges in their daily living and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation and social skills. In terms of cancer risk, drinking any type of alcohol increases your risk of seven different types of cancer and the evidence shows there is no safe level of drinking. Yet, Cabinet Ministers, Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, have added their voices to the political melee, suggesting the introduction of alcohol labelling be delayed to safeguard economic interests. What is it going to be? Boomier business or better health? Don't consumers have a right to see potential health harms from alcohol clearly spelt out on the label? – Yours, etc, DR CATHERINE CONLON, Former director of human health and nutrition, safefood, Cork. Goodbye, Joe Duffy Sir, –From one Joe to another may I sincerely thank Joe Duffy for a being such a strong voice for the people of Ireland for the past 27 years. He always showed great empathy in dealing with the many sensitive issues raised by his listeners throughout the years. He has done the State some service and they know it. – Yours, etc, JOSEPH TUMMON, Circular road, Galway.
CNET
25-06-2025
- Business
- CNET
Why Won't Walmart Let Me Use Apple Pay or Google Pay? I'm Not Surprised by the Answer
You can't use Apple Pay or Google Pay if you're shopping in-store at Walmart. Kativ/Getty Images When I stop by Walmart on my way home from the gym, I don't always have my wallet on me. At most stores, it's not a big deal because I have my phone with me, so I can use my digital wallet to make a purchase. But Walmart doesn't accept Apple Pay or Google Pay. If I want to use a digital payment in store, I'd have to use Walmart Pay on the Walmart App or a digital wallet offered by OnePay, a Walmart majority-owned fintech. You can still use most major credit and debit cards when buying something in-store or online. Digital wallets offer the convenience of paying without having to carry a credit card, and they can also keep your transactions more secure than using a physical card. Growing in popularity over the past few years, Apple Wallet and Google Wallet let you store payment options as well as your digital hotel key, boarding passes and concert tickets. The OnePay Wallet can store up to 20 credit or debit cards, but it can only be used at Walmart and on and cannot hold other digital documents or passes. You can also set up a digital wallet within the Walmart app, which lets you store additional payment methods. But that means downloading yet another app to your phone. We'll break down all your payment options when shopping at Walmart. Why doesn't Walmart accept Apple Pay or Google Pay? Walmart, with more than 4,600 locations across the country, is one of the last major retailers to refuse to accept popular third-party contactless payment options like Google Pay and Apple Pay. (However, you can use your Apple Card, just not through Apple Pay.) By sticking to its own mobile payment apps, Walmart avoids paying fees for third-party options and can more easily track your purchase history. However, that exclusivity also makes purchases less convenient for customers who use digital apps and wallets as their primary means of payment. How to use OnePay Here's how to use the OnePay wallet to make a contactless payment for your Walmart purchases: Download the OnePay app and sign up for an account Add any debit or credit card to your OnePay Wallet -- If you already have a OnePay debit card, it will automatically be added to your wallet When checking out, scan the QR code that appears on the payment terminal or self-checkout screen You can also sign up for OnePay Wallet during checkout. You'll just need a credit or debit card to add to the OnePay Wallet the first time. After that, the OnePay Wallet will become your default payment method at checkout. If you're a regular Walmart shopper, the OnePay option could potentially help you save because it lets you earn reward points for every purchase, which can then be redeemed for cash back if you have a OnePay Cash account. New customers who sign up directly with OnePay Wallet can earn $15 cash back when they spend $15 or more in-store at Walmart or on How to use Walmart Pay If you download the Walmart app, you can add payment methods in a wallet within Account Settings, then use them with Walmart Pay. The app allows you to store a variety of payment methods: Credit and debit cards from most of the major issuers, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover Bank account Walmart gift cards Electronic Benefits Transfer Health care benefits cards, like HSA and FSA PayPal If you're in a store, you can use Walmart Pay within the app and then scan the QR code at checkout to pay for your purchase. When the payment is complete, you'll receive a digital receipt in the app. Alternative payment options to Walmart Pay If you don't want to use the Walmart app or the OnePay wallet, you can still make purchases at Walmart. If you're making a purchase in store, you can use cash, credit and debit cards, Walmart gift cards, Electronic Benefits Transfer, HSA and FSA cards, or PayPal (in some locations). To use PayPal at the register, you'll need the PayPal app. From the menu, select In-person & QR code to set up in-person payments. Choose "Show to pay" and a QR code will be generated, which can be scanned by the cashier to process your payment. Walmart also accepts PayPal for online purchases. If your Walmart doesn't offer PayPal at the register and you want an extra layer of security protecting your bank account or card number, you can order the item online and pay using your PayPal account. You can also still technically use your other digital wallets to shop online at Walmart online. You'll just need to enter your credit card number when checking out. In a digital wallet, you can find your card number by clicking on the payment method in the wallet, then going to the menu in the top left corner and clicking on Card Number. You'll see your card number (or virtual card number, if available), expiration date and security code, which you'll need to enter in as payment info on the
