Syria Reconnects to Global Finance with First Mastercard Transaction

The inaugural point-of-sale transaction took place in Damascus, carried out by the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Mohammed Safwat Raslan. By linking the domestic payments ecosystem to Mastercard’s international network, the collaboration allows for the acceptance of cards issued outside the country at select approved merchants. This technical integration aims to bridge the gap between Syrian businesses and global commerce, facilitating trade and digital financial access.

For QNB Group, the move aligns with a strategy to expand digital payment capabilities across its regional footprint. Executives from both Mastercard and QNB emphasized that this initial success serves as a foundation for broader market adoption, with plans to work alongside local financial institutions to scale secure payment acceptance. While the current scope remains limited to eligible merchants, the integration marks a significant pivot toward restoring international financial connectivity in the region.