EBAday 2026: Insights on Emerging Payments Technologies and Their Future
Daniel Szmukler discusses emerging payments technologies at EBAday 2026, focusing on agentic AI and tokenized money’s impact on the MENA region.
European Parliament Approves Digital Euro, Paving Way for Final Negotiations
The European Parliament’s approval of the digital euro marks a significant step towards final negotiations, impacting digital payments in Europe and MENA.
Visa and Mastercard’s $38 Billion Settlement: Implications for MENA Payment Processing Costs
A judge approved a $38 billion settlement involving Visa and Mastercard, which may reshape payment processing fees and regulatory practices in MENA.
The Hidden Economics of Payment Success Rates in MENA Fintech
Every payment transaction carries economic implications. Explore how payment success rates shape fintech strategies in the MENA region.
Dubai’s Nol Card Upgrade Nears Completion, Expanding Payment Use
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 72% of an upgrade to the Nol payment system, enabling it to function like a bank card. This initiative is part of RTA’s broader strategy to modernize payment systems and enhance user convenience. As the project progresses, the integration of digital payment capabilities is expected to attract more users and streamline transportation services in Dubai.
Key Trends in 2026 Payments: The Rise of Digital Wallets
Digital wallets are emerging as the principal interface for customers, reshaping interactions in the MENA fintech landscape. Insights from EBAday 2026.
Saudi Arabia Sees 270M POS Transactions Worth SAR 16.6B
Saudi Arabia recorded over 270 million point-of-sale transactions valued at SAR 16.63 billion from April 26 to May 2, 2026. This surge reflects a significant increase in consumer confidence and a shift towards cashless payments in the region. Stakeholders should monitor ongoing trends in digital finance and potential regulatory changes impacting payment systems.
Solana and Google Cloud Unveil Pay.sh for AI Payments
The Solana Foundation and Google Cloud have launched Pay.sh, a payment gateway enabling AI agents to access APIs and make payments using stablecoins. This initiative is driven by the growing demand for seamless transactions in AI applications, positioning Solana as a key player in the fintech landscape. Moving forward, the impact of Pay.sh on Solana’s market performance and potential partnerships with other platforms will be crucial to watch.