People's Bank of China

September 29, 2026Source: TIKR.com

Mastercard Targets Near-100% UAE Debit Processing as Domestic Payment Infrastructure Expands

Mastercard Chief Financial Officer Ling Hai stated that the company expects to process nearly 100% of debit transactions in the UAE once its rollout with Al Etihad Payments is complete. Speaking at a Goldman Sachs event, Hai pointed to the UAE partnership as a strategic model for navigating national sovereignty payment initiatives, alongside references to operations in China. The UAE's domestic payments entity is also expanding cross-border acceptance and co-branded card ties with China's UnionPay International.

China–UAE News

September 25, 2026Source: South China Morning Post

Saudi Arabia Concludes Formal Participation in Cross-Border CBDC Platform Project mBridge

The Saudi Central Bank has concluded its formal participation in Project mBridge following the completion of its proof-of-concept phase. The multilateral central bank digital currency project remains co-anchored by the People's Bank of China, the Central Bank of the UAE, and the BIS Innovation Hub.

Mastercard Targets Near-100% UAE Debit Processing as Domestic Payment Infrastructure Expands

Saudi Arabia Concludes Formal Participation in Cross-Border CBDC Platform Project mBridge

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