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Middle East mobile wallet market size, share, growth drivers, trends, opportunities & forecast 2025–2030

The Middle East Mobile Wallet Market is valued at USD 7 billion, fueled by rising smartphone use, e-commerce expansion, and demand for secure cashless payments across the region.

Region:Middle East

Author(s):Rebecca

Product Code:KRAA9440

Pages:92

Published On:November 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

Middle East Mobile Wallet Market Overview

  • The Middle East Mobile Wallet Market is valued at USD 7 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of smartphones, the rapid expansion of e-commerce, and the surging demand for cashless transactions. The convenience, speed, and enhanced security offered by mobile wallets have significantly contributed to their widespread popularity among both consumers and businesses. The integration of prepaid cards with digital wallets and the proliferation of fintech startups are further accelerating the market’s development .
  • Key players in this market include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, which dominate due to their high smartphone penetration rates, robust digital infrastructure, and progressive government policies promoting financial technology. The UAE, in particular, has established itself as a regional fintech hub, attracting significant investment and fostering innovation in mobile payment solutions. The region is witnessing a rise in partnerships between financial institutions and technology providers, driving seamless digital wallet adoption .
  • TheRetail Payment Services Regulation, 2023issued by the Central Bank of the UAE, mandates that all mobile wallet providers comply with strict data protection standards, including end-to-end encryption, customer due diligence, and regular third-party audits. The regulation covers licensing, operational risk management, and consumer protection requirements, ensuring enhanced security and trust in digital payment systems .
Middle East Mobile Wallet Market Size

Middle East Mobile Wallet Market Segmentation

By Type:The market is segmented into various types, including peer-to-peer payments, bill payments, in-store payments, remittances, prepaid card-linked payments, digital gifting solutions, and others. Among these,peer-to-peer paymentshave emerged as the leading sub-segment, propelled by the increasing trend of social payments and the demand for fast, convenient money transfers among individuals. The integration of payment features into social media and messaging apps, along with the expansion of card-linked wallet ecosystems, has further fueled this growth, making peer-to-peer payments a preferred choice for many users .

Middle East Mobile Wallet Market segmentation by Type.

By End-User:The end-user segmentation includes individuals, small businesses, large enterprises, government agencies, the unbanked population, and others.Individualsrepresent the largest segment, as the convenience and accessibility of mobile wallets appeal to a broad demographic. The increasing number of smartphone users, the growing trend of online shopping, and the expansion of digital financial services have made mobile wallets an essential tool for personal finance management, leading to a significant rise in adoption among individual users .

Middle East Mobile Wallet Market segmentation by End-User.

Middle East Mobile Wallet Market Competitive Landscape

The Middle East Mobile Wallet Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as STC Pay, PayFort (Amazon Payment Services), Fawry, Zain Cash, Mobily Pay, Etisalat Wallet, Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, RAKBANK (Ras Al Khaimah Bank), Al Rajhi Bank, Emirates NBD, QNB (Qatar National Bank), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) – Payit Wallet, Bahrain Islamic Bank, YouGotaGift, Carrefour Pay, Mashreq Neo, CIB Smart Wallet (Commercial International Bank Egypt), NBE PhoneCash (National Bank of Egypt) contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

STC Pay

2018

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

PayFort (Amazon Payment Services)

2013

Dubai, UAE

Fawry

2008

Cairo, Egypt

Zain Cash

2013

Kuwait City, Kuwait

Mobily Pay

2019

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)

Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

Monthly Active Users (MAU)

Transaction Volume (USD or local currency)

Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)

Customer Retention Rate (%)

Middle East Mobile Wallet Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Smartphone Penetration:The Middle East has witnessed a significant rise in smartphone penetration, with over 90% of the population owning smartphones in future. This increase, driven by affordable devices and improved connectivity, facilitates mobile wallet adoption. According to the International Telecommunication Union, smartphone subscriptions in the region reached approximately 170 million, creating a robust user base for mobile wallet services, which are increasingly integrated into daily transactions.
  • Rising Demand for Cashless Transactions:The shift towards cashless transactions is evident, with the value of cashless payments in the Middle East projected to exceed $300 billion in future. This trend is fueled by consumer preferences for convenience and speed in transactions. The World Bank reports that cashless transaction volumes have increased by 40% annually, indicating a strong market demand for mobile wallets as consumers seek efficient payment solutions in retail and e-commerce sectors.
  • Government Initiatives Promoting Digital Payments:Governments across the Middle East are actively promoting digital payment solutions, with initiatives like the UAE's "Cashless Vision" aiming to increase digital payment adoption by 80%. The Central Bank of Bahrain reported a 50% increase in digital payment transactions in future, reflecting successful government policies. These initiatives not only enhance infrastructure but also encourage consumer trust in mobile wallet technologies, driving market growth.

Market Challenges

  • Regulatory Compliance Issues:Mobile wallet providers face significant regulatory compliance challenges, particularly concerning data protection and anti-money laundering laws. In future, the implementation of stricter regulations is expected, with compliance costs potentially rising by 30%. The lack of a unified regulatory framework across the region complicates operations for providers, hindering market growth and innovation in mobile wallet services.
  • Consumer Trust and Security Concerns:Despite the growth of mobile wallets, consumer trust remains a critical challenge. A survey by the Arab Monetary Fund indicated that 70% of consumers express concerns over security and fraud in digital payments. This skepticism can impede adoption rates, as users prioritize security in financial transactions. Addressing these concerns through enhanced security measures is essential for fostering consumer confidence in mobile wallet solutions.

Middle East Mobile Wallet Market Future Outlook

The Middle East mobile wallet market is poised for significant evolution, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors. As contactless payment solutions gain traction, the integration of artificial intelligence for personalized services is expected to enhance user experiences. Additionally, the rise of fintech startups is likely to foster innovation, creating a competitive landscape that encourages the development of new features and services tailored to consumer needs, ultimately driving market growth.

Market Opportunities

  • Expansion of E-commerce Platforms:The rapid growth of e-commerce in the Middle East, projected to reach $70 billion in future, presents a significant opportunity for mobile wallets. As online shopping becomes increasingly popular, integrating mobile wallet solutions can streamline payment processes, enhancing customer satisfaction and driving sales for e-commerce businesses.
  • Partnerships with Retail and Service Providers:Collaborations between mobile wallet providers and retail or service sectors can create synergies that enhance user engagement. With over 80% of consumers preferring integrated payment solutions, strategic partnerships can facilitate loyalty programs and exclusive offers, driving adoption and increasing transaction volumes within the mobile wallet ecosystem.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Type

Peer-to-peer payments

Bill payments

In-store payments

Remittances

Prepaid card-linked payments

Digital gifting solutions

Others

By End-User

Individuals

Small businesses

Large enterprises

Government agencies

Unbanked population

Others

By Region

GCC Countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar)

Levant Region (Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Palestine)

North Africa (Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)

Others

By Technology

NFC (Near Field Communication)

QR Code

SMS-based payments

Mobile app-based payments

Prepaid card integration

Others

By Application

Retail transactions

E-commerce transactions

Utility payments

Travel and transportation

Payroll solutions

Digital gifting

Others

By Investment Source

Venture capital

Private equity

Government funding

Crowdfunding

Corporate investment

Others

By Policy Support

Government subsidies

Tax incentives

Regulatory support

Open banking initiatives

Others

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Central Bank of the UAE, Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority)

Mobile Network Operators

Payment Service Providers

Retail Chains and E-commerce Platforms

Fintech Startups

Telecommunications Regulatory Authorities

Banking Institutions and Credit Unions

Players Mentioned in the Report:

STC Pay

PayFort (Amazon Payment Services)

Fawry

Zain Cash

Mobily Pay

Etisalat Wallet

Samsung Pay

Apple Pay

Google Pay

RAKBANK (Ras Al Khaimah Bank)

Al Rajhi Bank

Emirates NBD

QNB (Qatar National Bank)

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) Payit Wallet

Bahrain Islamic Bank

YouGotaGift

Carrefour Pay

Mashreq Neo

CIB Smart Wallet (Commercial International Bank Egypt)

NBE PhoneCash (National Bank of Egypt)

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. Middle East Mobile Wallet Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 Middle East Mobile Wallet Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. Middle East Mobile Wallet Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing smartphone penetration
3.1.2 Rising demand for cashless transactions
3.1.3 Government initiatives promoting digital payments
3.1.4 Enhanced security features in mobile wallets

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 Regulatory compliance issues
3.2.2 Limited internet connectivity in rural areas
3.2.3 Consumer trust and security concerns
3.2.4 Competition from traditional banking services

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Expansion of e-commerce platforms
3.3.2 Partnerships with retail and service providers
3.3.3 Introduction of loyalty programs
3.3.4 Adoption of blockchain technology for transactions

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Growth of contactless payment solutions
3.4.2 Integration of AI for personalized services
3.4.3 Increasing use of QR codes for payments
3.4.4 Rise of fintech startups in the region

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Data protection regulations
3.5.2 Licensing requirements for mobile wallet providers
3.5.3 Anti-money laundering (AML) laws
3.5.4 Consumer protection laws

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. Middle East Mobile Wallet Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. Middle East Mobile Wallet Market Segmentation

8.1 By Type

8.1.1 Peer-to-peer payments
8.1.2 Bill payments
8.1.3 In-store payments
8.1.4 Remittances
8.1.5 Prepaid card-linked payments
8.1.6 Digital gifting solutions
8.1.7 Others

8.2 By End-User

8.2.1 Individuals
8.2.2 Small businesses
8.2.3 Large enterprises
8.2.4 Government agencies
8.2.5 Unbanked population
8.2.6 Others

8.3 By Region

8.3.1 GCC Countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar)
8.3.2 Levant Region (Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Palestine)
8.3.3 North Africa (Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)
8.3.4 Others

8.4 By Technology

8.4.1 NFC (Near Field Communication)
8.4.2 QR Code
8.4.3 SMS-based payments
8.4.4 Mobile app-based payments
8.4.5 Prepaid card integration
8.4.6 Others

8.5 By Application

8.5.1 Retail transactions
8.5.2 E-commerce transactions
8.5.3 Utility payments
8.5.4 Travel and transportation
8.5.5 Payroll solutions
8.5.6 Digital gifting
8.5.7 Others

8.6 By Investment Source

8.6.1 Venture capital
8.6.2 Private equity
8.6.3 Government funding
8.6.4 Crowdfunding
8.6.5 Corporate investment
8.6.6 Others

8.7 By Policy Support

8.7.1 Government subsidies
8.7.2 Tax incentives
8.7.3 Regulatory support
8.7.4 Open banking initiatives
8.7.5 Others

9. Middle East Mobile Wallet Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)
9.2.3 Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
9.2.4 Monthly Active Users (MAU)
9.2.5 Transaction Volume (USD or local currency)
9.2.6 Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)
9.2.7 Customer Retention Rate (%)
9.2.8 Pricing Strategy (e.g., fee structure, commission rates)
9.2.9 Market Penetration Rate (%)
9.2.10 Customer Satisfaction Score (NPS or equivalent)
9.2.11 Regulatory Compliance Score
9.2.12 Integration Capabilities (e.g., prepaid cards, e-commerce, banking APIs)
9.2.13 Innovation Index (new features, partnerships, tech adoption)

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 STC Pay
9.5.2 PayFort (Amazon Payment Services)
9.5.3 Fawry
9.5.4 Zain Cash
9.5.5 Mobily Pay
9.5.6 Etisalat Wallet
9.5.7 Samsung Pay
9.5.8 Apple Pay
9.5.9 Google Pay
9.5.10 RAKBANK (Ras Al Khaimah Bank)
9.5.11 Al Rajhi Bank
9.5.12 Emirates NBD
9.5.13 QNB (Qatar National Bank)
9.5.14 First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) – Payit Wallet
9.5.15 Bahrain Islamic Bank
9.5.16 YouGotaGift
9.5.17 Carrefour Pay
9.5.18 Mashreq Neo
9.5.19 CIB Smart Wallet (Commercial International Bank Egypt)
9.5.20 NBE PhoneCash (National Bank of Egypt)

10. Middle East Mobile Wallet Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Digital payment initiatives
10.1.2 Budget allocation for technology
10.1.3 Collaboration with fintech companies
10.1.4 Adoption of mobile wallets in public services

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment in digital infrastructure
10.2.2 Spending on cybersecurity measures
10.2.3 Budget for mobile wallet integration
10.2.4 Partnerships with technology providers

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Security concerns
10.3.2 Lack of awareness
10.3.3 Limited acceptance by merchants
10.3.4 Technical issues with transactions

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Awareness of mobile wallet benefits
10.4.2 Accessibility of mobile wallet services
10.4.3 User experience and interface
10.4.4 Trust in digital payment systems

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Measurement of transaction efficiency
10.5.2 User engagement metrics
10.5.3 Expansion into new markets
10.5.4 Development of additional features

11. Middle East Mobile Wallet Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market gaps identification

1.2 Value proposition development

1.3 Revenue model exploration

1.4 Customer segmentation analysis

1.5 Competitive landscape assessment

1.6 Key partnerships identification

1.7 Risk assessment and mitigation


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding strategies

2.2 Product USPs

2.3 Target audience identification

2.4 Communication strategy

2.5 Digital marketing tactics

2.6 Customer engagement initiatives

2.7 Performance metrics


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban retail vs rural NGO tie-ups

3.2 Online vs offline distribution channels

3.3 Partnership with local retailers

3.4 Logistics and supply chain management

3.5 Distribution cost analysis

3.6 Channel performance evaluation

3.7 Market entry strategies


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved routes

4.2 Pricing bands

4.3 Competitor pricing analysis

4.4 Customer willingness to pay

4.5 Pricing strategy recommendations

4.6 Value-based pricing models

4.7 Price elasticity assessment


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category gaps

5.2 Consumer segments

5.3 Emerging trends analysis

5.4 Customer feedback integration

5.5 Market research findings

5.6 Product development opportunities

5.7 Future demand forecasting


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty programs

6.2 After-sales service

6.3 Customer support strategies

6.4 Feedback and improvement loops

6.5 Community engagement initiatives

6.6 Customer retention strategies

6.7 Relationship management tools


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability

7.2 Integrated supply chains

7.3 Unique selling points

7.4 Customer-centric approach

7.5 Competitive advantages

7.6 Value delivery mechanisms

7.7 Long-term benefits


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory compliance

8.2 Branding

8.3 Distribution setup

8.4 Technology integration

8.5 Training and development

8.6 Performance monitoring

8.7 Stakeholder engagement


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product mix
9.1.2 Pricing band
9.1.3 Packaging

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target countries
9.2.2 Compliance roadmap

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 JV

10.2 Greenfield

10.3 M&A

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital requirements

11.2 Timelines


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership vs Partnerships


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven analysis

13.2 Long-term sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 JVs

14.3 Acquisition targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Activity timelines
15.2.2 Milestone tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of market reports from financial institutions and industry associations
  • Review of government publications and regulatory frameworks related to mobile payments
  • Examination of consumer behavior studies and demographic data from reputable sources

Primary Research

  • Interviews with executives from leading mobile wallet providers in the Middle East
  • Surveys targeting consumers to understand usage patterns and preferences
  • Focus groups with fintech experts to gather insights on market trends and innovations

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of findings through multiple data sources, including financial reports and user surveys
  • Triangulation of qualitative insights from interviews with quantitative data from surveys
  • Sanity checks conducted through expert panel reviews to ensure data accuracy

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of total addressable market based on mobile payment transaction volumes
  • Segmentation of market size by country and demographic factors
  • Incorporation of growth rates from regional economic forecasts and technology adoption trends

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Collection of transaction data from key mobile wallet providers to establish baseline metrics
  • Analysis of user acquisition costs and retention rates across different platforms
  • Volume x average transaction value calculations to derive revenue estimates

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-variable regression analysis incorporating factors such as smartphone penetration and internet access
  • Scenario modeling based on potential regulatory changes and market disruptions
  • Development of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic forecasts through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Consumer Mobile Wallet Usage120Mobile Wallet Users, Tech-Savvy Consumers
Merchant Adoption of Mobile Payments80Small Business Owners, Retail Managers
Fintech Industry Insights60Fintech Executives, Product Managers
Regulatory Impact Assessment40Policy Makers, Regulatory Experts
Consumer Attitudes Towards Security70General Consumers, Security Analysts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the Middle East Mobile Wallet Market?

The Middle East Mobile Wallet Market is valued at approximately USD 7 billion, driven by the increasing adoption of smartphones, the growth of e-commerce, and the demand for cashless transactions, according to a five-year historical analysis.

Which countries are leading in the Middle East Mobile Wallet Market?

What are the main types of mobile wallet services in the Middle East?

How are government initiatives influencing mobile wallet adoption in the Middle East?

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Qatar Financial Inclusion Services Market

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