Chinese fintech giant Ant International has officially opened its first Middle East office in Riyadh, marking a significant step in its global expansion. The move follows its certification from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), granting it approval to operate in Saudi Arabia’s fintech ecosystem.
With this launch, Ant International joins a growing wave of Chinese companies establishing a physical presence in the Middle East, highlighting deepening economic ties between the two regions. In 2024, Cotti Coffee, founded by former Luckin Coffee executives, launched its first Middle Eastern store in Dubai, tapping into the region’s growing cafe culture. The same year, Meituan introduced Keeta, its food delivery platform, in Riyadh, aiming to compete in the kingdom’s on-demand delivery sector.
As part of its expansion, Ant International is introducing Antom to Saudi merchants, acquirers, and e-commerce businesses. Set to launch locally this year, Antom is a unified digital payment platform that supports multiple payment methods, including credit and debit cards, online banking, and digital wallets. Designed for cross-border transactions, it reportedly handles over 100 currencies, improving payment efficiency for merchants with international operations.
Ant International’s entry into Saudi Arabia aligns with SAMA’s fintech innovation agenda and is seen as a potential enabler of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. A core focus will be empowering small and medium enterprises, a key driver of the kingdom’s economic growth, by providing them with relevant digital payment solutions.
“The opening of our Riyadh office represents a significant milestone for Ant International in the Middle East, and strong commitment from Ant International to contribute to the economic growth of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Leiming Chen, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer of Ant International.
Beyond payments, Antom will introduce a suite of technologies to the Saudi market. Ant International has confirmed that Antom will leverage artificial intelligence for payment orchestration, merchant services, and security measures. These capabilities aim to reduce costs, enhance transaction security, and streamline foreign exchange risk management.
Merchants using Antom will also gain access to digital marketing tools and privacy computing solutions, helping them refine customer targeting strategies.
With global fintech firms like Ant International setting up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is quickly positioning itself as a regional fintech hub alongside Dubai. The Middle East’s supportive regulatory environment and strategic position as a gateway to global markets have made it an increasingly attractive destination for international expansion.
“We greatly value the dynamic payments market in Saudi Arabia, shaped by SAMA’s progressive policies and the kingdom’s vibrant economy, which provide an excellent environment for innovation and sustainable growth,” Chen said.