Thawani secures Visa licence to power digital payments in Oman

By Vriti Gothi

Thawani, an Omani FinTech company, has received an official Visa licence to issue credit cards in Oman. The development is step forward in the Sultanate’s journey towards a digitally enabled, inclusive financial ecosystem.

The new licence from Visa International empowers Thawani to issue Visa-backed credit cards offering seamless in-app onboarding and management through the Thawani app. Customers will benefit from global acceptance across point-of-sale and eCommerce channels, supported by advanced encryption, smart authentication, and market-specific offers designed for both individual and business users.

The announcement was formalised at a signing ceremony in Muscat attended by senior executives from Visa and Thawani, along with representatives from Oman’s banking and financial sectors. The event highlighted the growing synergy between global payment networks and local FinTech innovators in shaping the region’s financial future.

Eng. Majid Al Amri, Founder and CEO of Thawani, “This milestone positions Thawani as a trusted, innovative player focused on building a smarter, more inclusive and easier financial future,” said Al Amri. “Our goal is to link innovation with enablement, offering digital solutions that elevate user experience and open new horizons.”

Nasser Bdeir, Visa’s General Manager for Oman,“This is an advanced step for Oman’s FinTech development, reflecting strong local innovation and rising demand for digital solutions,” Bdeir noted. “Visa is proud to expand access to secure, reliable digital payments in the region.”

The partnership aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which places strong emphasis on digital transformation, financial inclusion, and economic diversification. By combining Thawani’s agile innovation with Visa’s trusted global infrastructure, the initiative aims to redefine digital payments in the Sultanate enhancing convenience, security, and accessibility for users nationwide.

Thawani’s attainment of the Visa credit card issuance licence marks not only a first for Oman’s FinTech industry but also a defining moment in the country’s pursuit of a future-ready, innovation-led financial ecosystem.