Qatar Central Bank joins AFAQ payments system

The Qatar Central Bank has joined the AFAQ Payments System, a move that completes the participation of all central banks within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in the regional network. Operated by the Gulf Payments Company, the system aims to deepen financial and monetary integration across the bloc.

In addition to the central bank, three Qatari commercial institutions—Doha Bank, Qatar International Islamic Bank, and Dukhan Bank—have also joined the system. This expansion brings the total number of participating banks across the GCC to 74.

The integration is intended to strengthen the connectivity of national payment infrastructures, enhancing the efficiency, speed, and security of cross-border financial transfers. This initiative supports broader GCC efforts to facilitate trade, business, and investment flows through integrated regional payment solutions.