RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in cooperation with the Saudi National Bank, has launched the first international digital wallet for pilgrims.
The Nusuk Wallet allows pilgrims to manage their money and uses encryption technology for security.
Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah launched the online service with several officials in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Ahmed Al-Maiman, director of the digital department at the ministry, said: 鈥淲ith the launch of the digital wallet, six achievements have been realized at the local and international levels.
鈥淚t is the first digital wallet and international bank card in the world, allowing Hajj pilgrims and Umrah performers to manage their money during the period of their stay for performing rituals.
鈥淔ollowing this move, we have become closer to achieving our goal of developing a successful super-app that meets pilgrims鈥 needs.鈥
Al-Maiman added: 鈥淭his innovation is a qualitative leap in the field of technical services, as the wallet combines modern technology with the needs of users.鈥
It includes the latest technologies 鈥渟uch as AI, encryption, and biometric identity verification, in addition to advanced technologies such as API (Application Programming Interface) and integrated SDK (Software Development Kit).鈥
He added: 鈥淚t is also the first open-loop digital wallet embedded within an application in the world, designed to enable Hajj pilgrims and Umrah performers to manage their money.鈥
The SNB鈥檚 Digital Ventures and Payments CEO Saleh Al-Furaih said the service complies with Saudi Central Bank regulations, which guarantees financial security.
The ministry added that it welcomes new ideas and solutions to assist pilgrims, and urged private companies to submit their proposals via email at [email protected].
