Doha, November 06 (QNA) – HE Assistant Governor of Qatar Central Bank (QCB) for Financial Instruments and Payment Systems and Assistant Governor for Market Development and Innovation, Sheikh Ahmed bin Khalid Al-Thani, announced Sunday that the actual launch of the Himyan card, the first national prepaid debit card with a registered trademark in Qatar, will be by the end of 2022.
The new card will be used in the internal market as a first stage only and that it is directed to all groups, including minors, His Excellency told a press conference today at the QCB headquarters.
The new launch comes as part of the QCB’s efforts to develop electronic payment services and enhance financial inclusion in the country, His Excellency said, highlighting that Himyan Card is named after the money bag used by merchants in ancient Arabia.
His Excellency added that the card does not require a minimum balance to be issued, and it supports contactless feature, pointing out that it also provides lower transaction fees for card issuers, acquirers and merchants.
Himyan Card will be more secure since transactions are made locally via the NAPD network, His Excellency revealed, adding that the new card allows transactions at all sale points, ATMs and local online shopping websites. (QNA)