walletii by Ooredoo Named Oman’s Most Trusted Fintech Brand 2025

DOHA, Qatar – Ooredoo Fintech and PayPal today announced a new strategic partnership that enables their Ooredoo Money users in Qatar to seamlessly transfer funds between their wallets and PayPal accounts, and access PayPal’s global commerce capabilities. This collaboration marks the first time that global payments leader PayPal has partnered with a mobile money fintech in the Gulf region.
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Through this partnership, Ooredoo Money’s consumers and small businesses in Qatar gain seamless access to global markets. Consumers can shop directly with PayPal’s worldwide network of merchants and enjoy the flexibility to transfer funds between their PayPal and Ooredoo Money wallets. Small businesses can efficiently reach new international customers, enhancing their global reach.

“Our vision is to make sending money between cross-border digital wallets as easy as possible, removing unnecessary friction and delays,” says Otto Williams, PayPal’s Regional Head and General Manager for the Middle East, Africa and CIS. “Our partnership with Ooredoo Fintech will help us expand access to PayPal’s global network, connecting Qatar consumers with millions of merchants around the world who accept PayPal. We are excited to launch our joint services with Ooredoo Money in Qatar early next year.”

“Ooredoo Fintech’s collaboration with PayPal opens global marketplaces to Qatar consumers and businesses, helping to advance Qatar’s role as a leading hub for digital innovation,” said Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of Ooredoo Financial Services and Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo Qatar. “This partnership will drive the next phase of Qatar’s digital transformation, providing greater convenience and new opportunities for cross-border transactions in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030."

“Ooredoo Fintech’s collaboration with PayPal opens global marketplaces to Qatar consumers and businesses, helping to advance Qatar’s role as a leading hub for digital innovation,” said Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of Ooredoo Financial Services and Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo Qatar. “This partnership will drive the next phase of Qatar’s digital transformation, providing greater convenience and new opportunities for cross-border transactions in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030."

This partnership represents a key milestone for both Ooredoo Fintech and PayPal. Aiming to enhance cross-border commerce with an initial launch in Qatar, the partners plan to expand these services across the region, empowering more consumers and businesses with advanced financial capabilities and global connectivity.

About PayPal

PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy. For more information, visit https://www.paypal.com, https://about.pypl.com, and https://investor.pypl.com.

About Ooredoo Fintech 

Ooredoo Financial Technology International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ooredoo Group, was established to create an integrated fintech marketplace for the MENA region. With innovative fintech solutions already live in Qatar, Maldives, and Oman. Ooredoo Fintech continues on it’s journey to financially empower regional consumers and businesses. For information visit https://www.ofti.app/ 

About Ooredoo 

Ooredoo is an international communications company operating across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. Serving consumers and businesses in 10 countries, Ooredoo delivers leading data experience through a broad range of content and services via its advanced, data-centric mobile and fixed networks.

Ooredoo generated revenues of QAR 23 billion as of 31 December 2023. Its shares are listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.

Doha, Qatar – Ooredoo Fintech has made an extraordinary mark at the 2025 Middle East & North Africa Stevie® Awards, taking home an impressive eight awards, including five Gold and three Bronze. This monumental win across multiple categories highlights Ooredoo Fintech’s groundbreaking achievements in leveraging technology to redefine digital financial solutions across the MENA region.
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The Stevie® Awards, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious global business honors, recognize outstanding innovation and achievement. This year, Ooredoo Fintech was celebrated for its exceptional contributions in revolutionizing digital finance and creating transformative solutions that have had a lasting impact across the region.

The Middle East & North Africa Stevie® Awards, which are sponsored by the RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry, acknowledge excellence in innovation across 18 nations. More than 1,100 nominations were considered across various categories, including Innovation in Products & Services, Management, Corporate Websites, and more.

Ooredoo Fintech’s five Gold Stevie® Awards include:

• Ooredoo Money’s E-KYC Service – Awarded for the Innovative Use of Technology in Customer Service within the Financial Services Industry. 
• Bridging Borders: The Story of Ooredoo Fintech’s Remittance Platform – Awarded for Excellence in Innovation in Financial Industries for organizations with up to 500 employees. 
• Unlocking Success: Walletii's Data-Driven Launch Strategy in Oman – Awarded for Innovation in Paid Media Planning & Management. 
• Build Once, Deploy Everywhere – Awarded for Innovation in Technology Development within the Financial Services Industry. 
• Product Thinking and Domain Squads – Awarded for Innovation in Technology Management, Planning & Implementation within the Financial Services Industry. 

In addition to the Gold awards, Ooredoo Fintech also earned three Bronze Stevie® Awards for:

• Empowering Businesses and Employees: The Success Story of Ooredoo Fintech’s Payroll Accounts – Awarded for Innovation in Business-to-Business Products. 
• Ooredoo Fintech: Redefining Digital Finance in Qatar – Awarded for Innovation in Consumer Products & Services. 
• Walletii: Connecting Real Users and AI to Build a Brand – Awarded for Innovation in Brand Development.

“We are beyond thrilled to see our relentless dedication to innovation and our drive to transform the fintech landscape recognized at this prestigious level. This remarkable achievement is just the beginning of our journey to become the leaders in digital finance across the MENA region,” said Mirko Giacco, CEO of Ooredoo Fintech. “These awards underscore our team’s tireless commitment to empowering individuals and businesses with smarter, faster, and more accessible financial solutions.”

About Ooredoo Fintech 

Ooredoo Financial Technology International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ooredoo Group, was established to create an integrated fintech marketplace for the MENA region. With innovative fintech solutions already live in Qatar, Maldives, and Oman. Ooredoo Fintech continues on it’s journey to financially empower regional consumers and businesses. For information visit https://www.ofti.app/ 

About the Stevie® Awards

The Stevie Awards are conferred in multiple programs, including The American Business Awards®, Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, German Stevie Awards, Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, International Business Awards®, and more. Each year, over 12,000 entries are submitted, recognizing outstanding business achievements globally. Learn more at www.StevieAwards.com.

DOHA, Qatar – Ooredoo Fintech has announced a strategic collaboration with Mashreq, one of the leading financial institutions in the MENA region, to introduce innovative solutions and offer seamless Wages Protection System (WPS) salary payment services to the bank’s corporate customers in Qatar. This new partnership aims to offer businesses with an efficient and secure payroll solution while ensuring compliance with Qatar Central Bank (QCB) regulations.
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The collaboration is designed to enhance the payroll offering for Mashreq’s corporate clients, introducing a streamlined method for salary disbursements. Through Ooredoo Money’s platform, businesses will be able to process employee salaries securely and efficiently, benefiting from the innovative financial technology that Ooredoo Money has developed.

Key goals of the collaboration:

1. Offer WPS Salary Payment Services and cutting-edge solutions: The partnership will allow Mashreq’s corporate customers to process employee salaries directly through Ooredoo Money, offering an easy-to-use, secure solution. This initiative ensures compliance with the QCB’s regulations on salary disbursements and promotes financial transparency within businesses. 

2. Future Collaboration Opportunities: Beyond the WPS salary payment services, both companies have expressed interest in exploring further collaborative efforts to provide additional financial products. This could include expanding the range of services for both businesses and their employees, continuing to promote financial inclusion and innovation across Qatar.

“This collaboration represents a significant step forward in offering businesses in Qatar a simple, secure, and compliant solution for managing employee salaries,” said Mirko Giacco, Group CEO of Ooredoo Fintech. “We are committed to supporting Qatar’s growing digital economy, and by teaming up with Mashreq Bank, we are making it easier for companies to provide timely and efficient salary payments to their employees.”

“We are pleased to partner Ooredoo Money to bring enhanced payroll solutions to our corporate clients. Ooredoo Money and Mashreq havesynergyas both of usrelyand want to further develop digital solutions in Qatar. I am sure this collaboration will be beneficial for both Mashreq and Ooredoo Money clients.” Said Salman Gulzar, Country Head of Mashreq Qatar.

The partnership between Ooredoo Money and Mashreq aligns with Qatar’s vision for financial innovation and economic diversification. It aims to deliver more accessible and efficient financial services, helping businesses focus on growth while ensuring their operations remain compliant with regulatory standards.

About Ooredoo Fintech 

Ooredoo Financial Technology International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ooredoo Group, was established to create an integrated fintech marketplace for the MENA region. With innovative fintech solutions already live in Qatar, Maldives, and Oman. Ooredoo Fintech continues on it’s journey to financially empower regional consumers and businesses. For information visit https://www.ofti.app/ 

About Ooredoo Money 

A versatile digital wallet that provides a comprehensive range of financial services. With the ability to send international money transfers to over 200 countries, manage both pre-paid and post-paid Ooredoo services, recharge Karwa Smart Cards, and much more, the app is designed for convenience. Offering fast transaction processing and competitive exchange rates, it has become the go-to solution for customers seeking efficient and secure management of their financial transactions. For information visit www.ooredoomoney.qa

About Mashreq

Mashreq is more than half a century old, yet proudly thinks like a challenger, startup, and innovator. Mashreq has pioneered key innovations and developments in banking, starting with entry-level digital-first customers all the way to powering some of the region’s most prominent corporations and wealth accounts.

The bank’s mandate is to help customers find their way to Rise Every Day, partnering through the highs and lows to help them achieve their goals and unlock their vision of success.

Reassuringly present in major financial centres of the world, Mashreq’s home and global HQ remains in the Middle East, offering services whenever and wherever opportunity takes its customers. Mashreq has been recognized as the fastest-growing Middle East brand, by Banking 500 rankings for 2024 by Brand Finance.

Find your way to Rise Every Day at: www.Mashreq.com/RiseEveryDay

For media inquiries, please write to: media@mashreq.com