The GCC's Tech Vanguard: Tap Payments' Ali Abulhasan
The co-founder and CEO of Tap Payments was one of the 30 innovators celebrated in Inc. Arabia's December 2024 special feature, The GCC's Tech Vanguard.
Ali Abulhasan’s interest in the fintech space came about after having personally witnessed the challenges caused by the MENA region’s heavy reliance on cash.
“Growing up, I witnessed how this dependence limited financial inclusion and created hurdles for both consumers and businesses, especially SMEs,” Abulhasan recalls. “During my time working with payments and telecom companies, I saw firsthand how fragmented and inefficient the payment process was. Businesses struggled with lengthy setups and lacked access to modern, easy-to-use payment products. This gap inspired me to create a product that would transform how businesses in MENA accept and manage payments.”
Abulhasan founded Tap Payments in Kuwait in 2014 to empower startups and SMEs across the MENA region by making digital payments more accessible and effortless to adopt.
“With Tap Payments we’ve built a unified application program interface (API) that simplifies the integration of local and international payment methods, allowing businesses to get up and running quickly,” Abulhasan explains. “Our product is designed to empower businesses of all sizes by making payments seamless, accessible, and scalable, driving growth in the region’s digital economy.”
Today, Abulhasan proudly declares that Tap Payments is at the forefront of transforming online payment experiences for businesses and consumers across the MENA region.
“Our mission is to create powerful, user-friendly payment products that cater to the diverse needs of our clients,” he says. “Today, Tap powers over 100,000 businesses of all sizes across nine countries, and it is growing at an extraordinary pace. Our payment products are built for businesses from the region, by people from the region, who understand the realities of our markets.”
A Playbook For Success: Ali Abulhasan
Given the investment that GCC countries are putting into tech, what role do you think the region will play in the global landscape in the future?
“The GCC is rapidly positioning itself as a global leader in technology and innovation, thanks to significant investments and strong government initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This focus on digital transformation isn’t just about adopting new technologies; it’s about creating a robust ecosystem where innovation can thrive.
In the fintech space, the GCC is setting a precedent. Regulatory bodies and tech innovators are collaborating to develop frameworks that support seamless cross-border payments and broad participation in the financial system, helping businesses of all sizes access the tools they need to grow. This alignment between policy and innovation is creating an environment where businesses can scale faster and more efficiently than ever before.
I firmly believe that the GCC will not only lead the region in fintech but also set global standards. The region is becoming a hub for digital transformation, and its influence on the global technology landscape will only continue to grow. The investments we’re seeing now are just the beginning of a much larger shift toward making the GCC a key player in the future of technology and commerce.”
What advice would you give to young people/new businesses looking to start/grow in your field/industry?
“My biggest advice is to deeply understand the local market. In fintech, every region comes with its own unique cultural, regulatory, and business dynamics. To succeed, you need to design products that genuinely resonate with local needs while navigating the regulatory landscape effectively.
Building strong partnerships is just as important. Collaborating with regulators, financial institutions, and other stakeholders not only helps you navigate compliance, but also builds trust – something that’s critical in the payments industry.
Most importantly, focus on solving real problems. Technology should be a means to an end, not the goal itself. For example, at Tap Payments, we identified how SMEs struggled with long, complex payment setup processes. Our unified application program interface (API) was built to simplify this, enabling businesses to get started quickly, and focus on their growth. Always keep your product customer-centric, and stay laser-focused on the problem you’re solving. That clarity will be your foundation for growth.”
Tap Payments' Ali Abulhasan was one of the 30 innovators celebrated in Inc. Arabia's December 2024 special feature, The GCC's Tech Vanguard. For the full list of The GCC's Tech Vanguard, please click here.
