Qatar Central Bank joins AFAQ Payments System as of 7 September 2026

Qatar Central Bank (QCB) announced on Monday that it has joined the AFAQ Payments System, operated by the Gulf Payments Company (GPC).

With Qatar’s participation, the central banks of all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states are now connected to the AFAQ system, marking an important step toward stronger financial and monetary integration across the Gulf region.

Three Qatari Commercial Banks Join AFAQ

Alongside QCB, three Qatari commercial banks have also joined the regional payments network:

Doha Bank
Qatar International Islamic Bank
Dukhan Bank
They are among the first commercial banks in Qatar to participate in AFAQ. Their inclusion brings the total number of participating banks across the GCC to 74.

Major Milestone for GCC Payment Integration

QCB’s entry into the AFAQ system represents a significant milestone in the development of the Gulf payments ecosystem.

With all GCC central banks now participating, the system is expected to strengthen connectivity between payment infrastructures across the region and improve the efficiency of cross-border financial transactions.

The platform is designed to support faster, more secure and more efficient payments and financial transfers between GCC countries.

Supporting Trade, Investment and Regional Business

The expansion of AFAQ is part of wider joint efforts by GCC countries to develop regional payment solutions that support economic activity.

Improved payment connectivity can help facilitate:

Cross-border trade
Business transactions
Investment flows
Financial transfers
Regional economic cooperation

The initiative also supports the GCC’s broader objective of strengthening economic and financial integration among member states.

More Commercial Banks Expected to Participate

Participation in the AFAQ system is expected to continue expanding as more commercial banks across the GCC connect to the platform.

Further development and rollout of AFAQ services are also expected as Gulf countries work toward a more integrated regional financial infrastructure.

A Step Toward a More Connected Gulf Payments Ecosystem

The addition of Qatar Central Bank and the three Qatari commercial banks strengthens financial connectivity across the GCC and advances the region’s efforts to build a more efficient and interconnected payments ecosystem.

As participation grows, AFAQ is expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting cross-border transactions and the GCC’s long-term goals for deeper economic and financial integration.