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In line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy and as part of Qatar Central Banks ongoing efforts to develop digital payment systems and services, and to strengthen cooperation among the GCC countries, Qatar Central Bank announces the acceptance of the national payment card "HIMYAN" in the Kingdom of Bahrain.With this expansion, "HIMYAN" cardholders can now conduct purchase and cash withdrawal transactions through various points of sale and ATMs in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in accordance with the highest standards of security and protection.In addition, "HIMYAN cardholders can also use the card in the State of Kuwait, following Qatar Central Bank's announcement on 18 December 2025 regarding the acceptance of the national payment card "HIMYAN" in Kuwait.This expansion comes as part of Qatar Central Banks commitment to enhancing regional integration in the field of payment systems and expanding the use of national payment solutions across the GCC countries."HIMYAN" is considered the first national payment card under a Qatari brand launched by Qatar Central Bank as part of its continuous efforts to enhance and develop digital payment systems in support of innovation and digital transformation within the financial sector in the State of Qatar, through the provision of secure and effective local payment solutions. 

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) announced the acceptance of the national payment card ‘Himyan’ in Kuwait. This, the QCB noted, is in line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy and as a continuation of the bank's efforts to develop digital payment systems and services, as well as to strengthen co-operation among the countries of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).  The QCB said the holders of the Himyan card can now carry out purchase transactions and cash withdrawals through various points of sale and automated teller machines across the State of Kuwait, in accordance with the highest standards of security and protection.  It added that this expansion in the acceptance of services of the national Himyan card reflects the QCB's commitment to providing reliable and secure national Himyan card services within the local payment ecosystem, which is fully managed and operated by the QCB.  It also reaffirms its dedication to strengthening regional integration in the field of payment systems. Himyan card is considered the first national payment card with a Qatari commercial brand, owned by the Qatar Central Bank. It was launched as part of QCB's ongoing efforts to enhance and develop digital payment systems, support innovation and digital transformation in Qatar's financial sector, and provide secure and efficient local payment options.

Qatar Central Bank has partnered with Qatar Airways Privilege Club to introduce a more rewarding experience for ‘Himyan’ cardholders, enabling Himyan prepaid and debit cardholders to enjoy Privilege Club benefits and collect Avios when using their Himyan cards.Himyan cardholders can now collect one Avios for every QR8 spent using their cards on online or point-of-sale (POS) transactions.The cardholders will also benefit from card-linked offers, whereby they will collect even more Avios for purchases with linked Himyan cards at participating Privilege Club partner outlets, which include retail, dining, entertainment, lifestyle and more venues across Qatar.This initiative is launched by the Qatar Central Bank to enhance the product proposition of Himyan, the national payment card of Qatar, and aligns with Privilege Club’s strategic objective of providing its members with new avenues to collect Avios as part of their everyday lifestyle.This pioneering first-of-its kind partnership is now available to both existing and new Himyan cardholders of Ahli Bank, AlRayan Bank, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, Dukhan Bank, Qatar International Islamic Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, and Qatar National Bank.Commenting on the initiative, HE the Deputy Governor of Qatar Central Bank, Sheikh Ahmed bin Khalid bin Ahmed bin Sultan al-Thani stated: “This initiative reflects the Qatar Central Bank’s commitment to developing the national payments ecosystem and strengthening collaboration with partners across various sectors.“It aligns with the objectives of the Third Financial Sector Strategy of the State of Qatar, supports the digital payments transformation, and further enhances the benefits of the Himyan card as a secure and advanced payment instrument within the State of Qatar”.Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed al-Meer, said: “Our collaboration with the Qatar Central Bank reflects Qatar Airways’ commitment to supporting Qatar’s digital and economic transformation. This initiative aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting national innovation and strengthening the country’s financial ecosystem through a home-grown payment solution. We thank the Qatar Central Bank for this forward-thinking initiative, which enables Privilege Club members to earn Avios while contributing to an economy that keeps value within Qatar.”Privilege Club members can redeem the Avios they collect through Himyan card purchases for travel and lifestyle rewards of their choice. With Cash + Avios, they can enjoy flexible partial payments using Avios, benefit from significant discounts on flights, upgrades, extra baggage allowance, holiday packages, and much more.