QCB Integrates Himyan With Samsung Wallet
Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has partnered with Samsung Gulf Electronics to integrate Himyan, Qatar’s national payment scheme, into Samsung Wallet. The move enables eligible cardholders to make contactless payments through compatible Galaxy smartphones and smartwatches.
The integration forms part of Qatar’s Third Financial Sector Strategy and Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030. Consequently, it supports the country’s broader push toward secure and locally managed digital financial services.
Himyan Expands Into Mobile Payments
Himyan is Qatar’s first national payment card brand. It aims to encourage secure, efficient and locally managed digital transactions across the country.
Now, eligible Himyan debit and prepaid cards can be added to Samsung Wallet. As a result, users can make contactless payments at point-of-sale terminals and retail locations without carrying a physical card.
Moreover, the integration expands Himyan’s connection with Qatar’s domestic banking ecosystem. It also gives Galaxy users another way to access digital payment services through devices they already use.
QCB Deputy Governor Sheikh Ahmed bin Khalid bin Ahmed Al Thani described the integration as a milestone for Himyan’s development as a leading digital payment option in Qatar. He also linked the initiative to QCB’s focus on secure, locally managed payment infrastructure.
Samsung Wallet Adds Security Features
The partnership also brings Samsung’s security infrastructure into the payment experience. In particular, Samsung Wallet uses device tokenization via Samsung Knox and biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or PIN verification.
Therefore, users can complete payments without directly exposing their physical card details during transactions. Samsung Gulf Electronics also highlighted the combination of Himyan’s local infrastructure with Samsung Knox security.
For eligible users, adding a Himyan card requires opening Samsung Wallet on a compatible Galaxy device. Next, users select “Add Card” and complete verification through their card-issuing bank.
The integration consequently strengthens Qatar’s digital payments infrastructure while making everyday transactions more convenient. At the same time, it advances the country’s broader objective of building a more inclusive and digitally enabled financial ecosystem.
