Qatar’s financial system recorded strong momentum in digital transactions, reaching QR16.1bn in processed payments. The latest figures highlight the nation’s growing reliance on digital channels such as card payments, instant transfers, and mobile wallets.
Card-based payments continued to dominate consumer activity. They accounted for QR12.5bn, showing the strength of both point-of-sale purchases and e-commerce. Point-of-sale payments reached QR8.2bn across over 40 million transactions, while e-commerce rose to QR4.3bn from more than nine million online deals. This combination reinforced both retail confidence and the expanding role of digital commerce.
Furthermore, Qatar’s instant transfer system, Fawran, showed remarkable growth. It processed QR3.2bn across nearly two million transfers, supported by over three million registered accounts. Fawran is gaining traction in peer-to-peer transactions, utility bills, and government-related payments. This rapid adoption proves the shift toward faster, more versatile financial solutions.
In addition, the Qatar Mobile Payment service added to the ecosystem’s progress. It handled QR277m in value through 320,000 transactions. Although its share remains modest at just 2 percent, the service now has 1.2 million registered wallets. This expanding base signals room for growth as merchants and consumers embrace broader acceptance.
When measured by volume, card payments maintained their lead. Point-of-sale represented 51 percent of all activity, e-commerce accounted for 27 percent, instant transfers made up 20 percent, and mobile wallets contributed 2 percent. Analysts explained that cards remain essential in retail spending, while rising instant transfers point to shifting consumer priorities toward speed and convenience.
The total system value demonstrates how non-card channels continue to gain relevance. Cards contributed QR12.5bn, but with instant transfers and mobile wallets included, the overall system reached QR16.1bn. This difference underscores how these newer channels fill important roles, especially for bills, government services, and direct transfers.
Industry experts believe Qatar’s digital payments surge reflects major progress in building a cash-light economy. Strong card activity shows stability in everyday spending, while the expansion of Fawran demonstrates how real-time systems improve accessibility. Moreover, the regulator’s decision to publish monthly updates creates transparency for policymakers, businesses, and consumers alike.
Qatar’s commitment to digitalization highlights its broader financial inclusion goals. By balancing card usage with new transfer systems, the country strengthens both reliability and innovation in its financial sector. As adoption increases, Qatar is clearly moving closer to its ambition of a modern and cash-light economy.
