Benefit & Ant International to launch QR payments in Bahrain
BENEFIT and Ant International have agreed to enable cross-border QR code payments between Bahrain's national payment network and Ant International's global wallet gateway, Alipay+, launching in 2026. The partnership will allow more than 15,000 merchants in Bahrain to accept payments from users of Alipay+'s international digital wallet partners, aiming to boost financial connectivity for Bahraini consumers and businesses.
Merchant access
The integration will connect local merchants to over 1.8 billion user accounts linked to Alipay+ worldwide. Alipay+ currently works with digital payment partners, providing coverage for more than 150 million merchants across over 100 markets. This will enable international customers visiting Bahrain to pay with their preferred wallets from abroad via local QR codes.
As part of the plan, both organisations will also examine options to develop outbound payment capabilities. This would allow Bahraini consumers to pay internationally at millions of merchants that support Alipay+ while using their familiar local payment methods, via the cross-bank BENEFIT network.
Framework plans
The scope of the collaboration extends to joint efforts to build a comprehensive cross-border payment framework. According to both companies, such a framework is intended to fit with the latest global advancements in financial technology and meet regulatory standards across markets. The parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding covering these objectives and further exploration of joint fintech solutions.
Knowledge exchange and shared technical expertise are also stated goals of the partnership. The companies will collaborate on marketing initiatives to increase awareness of digital payment options and encourage adoption among consumers and merchants in Bahrain.
Regional growth
The launch in Bahrain follows Ant International's recent expansion in the Middle East, including a new office in Riyadh. Across Asia, Alipay+ has been integrated into other national QR code payment systems in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Cambodia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
The collaboration reflects the growing importance of interoperability between local and global digital payment systems, especially for small and medium enterprises serving tourists and overseas visitors.
Sector perspectives
Abdulwahed AlJanahi, Chief Executive, BENEFIT, said, "This partnership reflects BENEFIT's strategic vision to expand its global presence and reinforce Bahrain's position as a leading regional hub for fintech and advanced digital payment solutions. Our collaboration with Ant International will contribute to building an advanced infrastructure that strengthens the link between local and international markets, providing users with secure, seamless, and world-class payment experience."
"This initiative represents a pivotal step toward developing innovative financial solutions that enhance cross-border payments and accelerate digital transformation within the financial sector. It further cements BENEFIT's role as a strategic partner in shaping a smarter and more sustainable future for Bahrain's financial ecosystem, in line with the Kingdom's vision of a knowledge-based digital economy."
"This collaboration is part of BENEFIT's broader strategy to establish an effective bridge connecting national payment systems with leading international platforms, in alignment with global fintech developments. It strengthens Bahrain's capacity to attract high-value investments and strategic partnerships that contribute positively to the national economy," said AlJanahi.
Pietro Candela, General Manager of EMEA, Alipay+, said, "We are honoured to collaborate with BENEFIT, one of the Middle East's foremost fintech and digital payments institutions, to bring the innovative Alipay+ solution to Bahraini businesses. Together we aim to empower local merchants of all sizes to accept seamless payments from international travellers that Alipay+ serves with its partner wallets, while also working towards enabling BENEFIT customers to access our services in international markets in the future."
