Dubai, UAE; 04 September 2025: Mastercard has announced a strategic collaboration with Qlub, a leading fintech innovator in the hospitality sector, to advance digital and contactless payments across the GCC. This partnership marks a significant step towards enhancing the digital payments landscape, aligned with the growing demand for seamless, tech-driven dining experiences.
Under the agreement, Mastercard will provide cutting-edge payment solutions, platforms, and technologies to Qlub, while also making a minority investment in the fintech company. Mastercard will also process Qlub’s card-not-present transactions through the Mastercard Gateway in key markets, including the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
In 2023, Qlub joined Start Path, Mastercard’s award-winning startup engagement program. This ongoing collaboration highlights Mastercard’s commitment to scaling digital commerce in high-growth industries, reshaping the hospitality payment experience through advanced technology and global infrastructure.
Gina Petersen-Skyrme, Senior Vice President and Country Manager, UAE and Oman, Mastercard, said:
“This collaboration with Qlub represents Mastercard’s commitment to driving digital transformation and empowering businesses in the hospitality industry. By combining Qlub’s cutting-edge QR-based payment technology with Mastercard’s global expertise, we’re delivering simpler, faster, and more secure payment experiences for restaurants and consumers alike. More than an investment, this reflects our mission to support fintech innovators who redefine the way we live, work, and transact.”
John Mady, Managing Director, UAE, Qlub, said:
“Our collaboration with Mastercard is built on a shared vision of innovation and trust in payments. By combining Qlub’s frictionless QR-based dining technology with Mastercard’s global infrastructure, we’re reimagining how guests and restaurants connect. Together, we aim to make every dining experience faster, safer, and more rewarding — not just in the GCC, but worldwide.”
Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Dubai, Qlub has rapidly become a key player in hospitality payments, offering QR code-based table payments across 3,000+ restaurants and serving over 3 million users. With nearly 300 employees and operations in 10 countries, Qlub has transformed the dining experience by enabling frictionless payments. Recently, the company closed a $30 million funding round to scale its smart dining experience globally, co-led by Shorooq Partners and Cherry Ventures, with support from e&, Mubadala Investments, and Legend Capital.
