Qatar Central Bank has announced that the national payment card “‘Himyan’” is now accepted in the State of Kuwait, marking a further step in regional cooperation on digital payments within the Gulf. The move aligns with the Third Financial Sector Strategy and Qatar Central Bank’s wider efforts to develop digital payment systems and services across the GCC.
According to the announcement, ‘Himyan’ cardholders are now able to carry out purchase transactions and make cash withdrawals at a range of points of sale and automated teller machines throughout Kuwait. These services will be available in line with established security and protection standards.
The expansion reflects Qatar Central Bank’s ongoing work to enhance the reach and functionality of the national payment ecosystem. By enabling cross-border usage of the ‘Himyan’ card, the central bank aims to support more seamless financial transactions for users while strengthening payment system links between GCC countries.
Qatar Central Bank said the initiative demonstrates its commitment to providing reliable and secure ‘Himyan’ card services within the local payment ecosystem, which is fully managed and operated by the bank. It also highlights the institution’s focus on strengthening regional integration in the area of payment systems, as digital financial services continue to play a growing role in economic activity.
‘Himyan’ is the first national payment card with a Qatari commercial brand and is owned by Qatar Central Bank. The card was launched as part of the bank’s broader strategy to enhance and modernise digital payment infrastructure, support innovation, and advance digital transformation across Qatar’s financial sector. It is designed to offer secure and efficient local payment options while reducing reliance on external payment networks.
The acceptance of the ‘Himyan’ card in Kuwait represents an extension of these objectives beyond Qatar’s borders. By enabling use of the card at retail locations and ATMs in another GCC country, the initiative supports greater convenience for cardholders who travel or conduct business within the region.
The development comes amid increasing regional focus on interoperability, financial inclusion and digital payments as key components of financial sector growth. Central banks across the GCC have been working to align systems and standards in order to improve cross-border payment experiences and support economic cooperation.
With this latest expansion, Qatar Central Bank continues to position the ‘Himyan’ card as a core component of its national payment strategy, while contributing to closer financial ties between Qatar and Kuwait through practical, user-facing solutions.
