Syria Celebrates Its First International Card Transaction in 15 Years with Mastercard and QNB Group

Historic Transaction in Syria

On August 28, 2026, Syria witnessed a significant development in its financial landscape with the successful processing of its first international card transaction in more than 15 years by Mastercard and QNB Group. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in the modernization of Syria's payment ecosystem, enabling the country to reconnect with global financial networks and bolster economic growth.

A New Beginning

The transaction came about after the technical reconnection of Syria's payment system to the global Mastercard network. QNB Syria facilitated this landmark payment at a local merchant authorized to accept Mastercard payments, utilizing an internationally issued card. The event was attended by prominent figures including the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, HE Mohammed Safwat Raslan, and executives from both Mastercard and QNB Group.

During the transaction, Raslan expressed, "Executing the first international card transaction in Syria is a significant step towards modernizing our payment ecosystem. It highlights the collaboration between public and private sectors in enabling secure international payment acceptance, facilitating trade, and supporting sustainable economic development."

Implications for the Economy

This transaction lays the groundwork for broader acceptance of international payments within Syria, directly connecting consumers, businesses, and financial entities to the global digital economy. Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, QNB Group's Commercial Director, highlighted the importance of this development, stating, "Successfully completing the first international card transaction is a critical milestone in developing the payment landscape in Syria. By connecting merchants to international payment systems, we provide businesses the opportunity to offer more options and convenience to their customers, helping transition towards a more modern and secure digital payments ecosystem."

A Step Towards Inclusivity

Mastercard's Adam Jones, Head of Western Arabia, acknowledged the significance of this first transaction for the evolution of Syria's payment ecosystem. He affirmed, "This transaction is an important milestone in our commitment to fostering a connected, secure, and inclusive payment environment in Syria. It signifies a first step toward expanding access to global payment capabilities and increasing international card acceptance across the market."

This progress illustrates Mastercard's dedication to supporting a modern, secure, and inclusive payments ecosystem in Syria. The company plans to continue collaborating with the Central Bank of Syria, financial institutions, and other ecosystem partners to promote the adoption of digital payments and contribute to the ongoing modernization of the financial landscape.

A Vision for the Future

The journey towards rebuilding Syria's payment infrastructure is critical to empowering individuals and businesses alike. With Mastercard’s assistance in building a resilient digital economy, Syria is set to enhance the financial experience for its residents, paving the way for increased trade, investment, and overall economic development.

Mastercard operates in over 200 countries, enabling safe and straightforward digital transactions. As stated by the company, they are committed to creating economic opportunities and empowering individuals around the globe through their innovative payment solutions.

By harnessing the power of collaboration and technological innovation, both Mastercard and QNB Group are not just transforming transactions but are also playing a vital role in revitalizing the Syrian economy, demonstrating the potential for a brighter future fueled by modern payment solutions.