Google Pay is set to launch in Saudi Arabia in 2025 following an agreement between the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and Google. The digital wallet will be integrated into the national payment system, mada.

Google Pay will provide users with a secure and convenient way to make purchases in stores, apps, and online while also allowing them to manage their cards within Google Wallet. Saudi Arabia’s increasing use of card payments is a direct result of the government’s efforts to promote a cashless society and encourage the adoption of electronic payment solutions.

Government backing and collaborative ventures, such as national initiatives like SARIE under Vision 2030, are pivotal in driving this market shift toward non-cash transactions. With a target of 70% non-cash transactions by 2030, the Kingdom is positioning itself to accelerate digital payment adoption and further reduce cash dependency.

SAMA reported that the share of retail consumer electronic payments reached 70% of total retail payments in 2023, up from 62% in 2022. This increase is a key performance indicator (KPI) of the Financial Sector Development Program (FSDP).