Tap Payments: A Leading Fintech Innovator in the MENA Region
Since 2014, Tap Payments has revolutionized payment solutions for over 120,000 businesses in MENA.
Based in Kuwait, Tap Payments has emerged as a key player in the fintech landscape of the Middle East since its inception in 2014. With a mission to simplify payment acceptance for businesses, Tap has successfully established an impressive infrastructure that now serves over 120,000 clients across the MENA region.
Recognized Growth and Industry Standing
Incredible progress is reflected in Tap Payments' consistent recognition by Forbes Middle East. The company proudly holds the 13th position in the 2026 Fintech 50 rankings, marking its third consecutive year on this prestigious list. This achievement signifies a notable rise, considering it was ranked 18th in 2025 and 24th in the previous year.
Innovative Solutions for Better Payment Management
Founded by Ali Abulhasan, Tap Payments aims to streamline the payment process for businesses of all sizes. The company’s infrastructure is designed to facilitate connections between local payment solutions, such as KNET in Kuwait, and broader payment networks, whether regional or global. This capability allows businesses to effectively accept payments while managing funds seamlessly in diverse markets.
One significant advantage of Tap Payments is its comprehensive regulatory approval. Holding licenses in all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Egypt, Tap enables businesses to collaborate with a single payment partner when expanding into new territories.
Strategic Partnerships Enhancing Capabilities
In a recent announcement made in September 2026, Tap Payments disclosed a strategic partnership with HSBC Kuwait. This collaboration is aimed at supporting the card acceptance processes for the bank's corporate clients, which helps finance teams better reconcile payments through enhanced transaction transparency.
In reflecting on the achievements, Co-Founder and CEO Ali Abulhasan shared his thoughts:
“We founded Tap in Kuwait with a clear ambition: to make digital payments simpler for businesses and help them grow. Today, we serve businesses across MENA, supported by locally built infrastructure and strong partnerships with regulators, banks, and payment networks across the region. Being recognized by Forbes Middle East for the third consecutive year, and rising to 13th place, reflects the progress our team has made and the role we continue to build in the region’s fintech ecosystem. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and grateful to our team, customers and partners who make this growth possible.”
Ongoing Evolution with tapOS
Tap Payments is committed to enhancing its services through technological innovation. The company is actively developing tapOS, its specialized operating system aimed at optimizing business payments. This all-in-one platform integrates various functions including billing, payment acceptance, wallet balances, payouts, and detailed reporting. By consolidating these features, Tap helps finance and operations teams manage their payment activities efficiently across different brands and markets.
About Tap Payments
Established in 2014, Tap Payments operates as a licensed payment institution and technology service provider within MENA. By connecting local and international payment options, the company empowers businesses to manage their payments and financial operations seamlessly.
