News

Paymob Secures PSP License From Oman’s Central Bank

The payment service provider license is the first to be issued by the CBO to an international fintech provider.

Published

3 years ago

January 16, 2024

Nour Nasir

Paymob

Paymob, a prominent MENAP (Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan) financial services provider, has announced its acquisition of a Payment Service Provider (PSP) license from the Central Bank of Oman (CBO). The groundbreaking achievement marks a significant milestone for the fintech firm, as it becomes the first international company to obtain full licensing within the Sultanate.

With the newly issued PSP license, Paymob gains official authorization to accept and manage both online and in-store payments within Oman. This functionality is made possible through a seamless integration with OmanNet, the CBO’s secure payment infrastructure.

Now, Oman-based merchants will be able to facilitate payments locally and across borders via Paymob’s gateway, streamlining the cumbersome process of multiple integrations.

Islam Shawky, co-founder and CEO of Paymob, explained the significance of the new license: “It is a proud moment for Paymob to be the first international fintech company to receive PSP licensing in Oman. We appreciate the vote of confidence that CBO has placed in our technology. We are committed to enabling SME growth in Oman by making cutting-edge payment solutions accessible to all merchants and processing transactions seamlessly and securely through our local gateway”.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

Oman has been steadily advancing towards the digital transformation of its banking sector, driven by the Vision 2040 initiative aimed at economic diversification. The data from 2018 to 2022 reveals a remarkable surge in ATM, POS, and e-commerce transactions processed through OmanNet, with a staggering 300% increase from 82.4 million to 252.9 million transactions.

Paymob’s attainment of the Central Bank of Oman’s PSP license signifies a remarkable stride for the company and the fintech landscape as a whole, promising substantial benefits for Oman’s digital payments ecosystem and further strengthening Paymob’s position as a leading player in the MENAP region.

News

New Disney+ Streaming App Has Officially Launched In The UAE

The app’s recommendations now factor in what’s popular in the UAE, and a dedicated Junior Mode gives kids their own corner of Disney+.

Published

1 day ago

October 9, 2026

Dana Saadeh

Disney

A new Disney+ app has officially launched in the UAE, and subscribers can now keep watching their favorite titles when they travel. Disney+ says access extends across supported markets in Europe, the United States and beyond.

The app is built around a dynamic homepage and simpler navigation, with recommendations drawn from each customer’s viewing habits and what’s popular in the UAE. Content from Hulu and ESPN is now easier to find alongside Disney+’s own library, the company says. Audio and subtitles come in up to 25 languages, and supported devices get high-quality video and sound.

For families, the app includes Junior Mode, a dedicated, simplified version of Disney+ for younger viewers, built around age-appropriate shows and movies. It sits alongside existing controls such as PIN-protected profiles, customizable content ratings and account notifications when a profile is changed.

The catalog still spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu and FX. Returning series include Season 8 of “The Kardashians,” Season 23 of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Season 38 of “The Simpsons”. Also on the service are the second season of International Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series “Rivals,” comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”.

Also Read: Best Video Streaming Services In The Middle East

Marvel Television’s “VisionQuest” is on the way, and Disney’s live-action “Moana” is due later this autumn. Beyond Hollywood, the Turkish title “Halef” is coming to the platform alongside a lineup of Korean entertainment: Korean-Japanese romantic comedy “Merry Berry Love” is streaming now, and “The Remarried Empress” arrives November 4.

Existing subscribers will be prompted to download the new app and sign in with their current credentials, with on-screen steps covering account confirmation and profile setup. Subscriptions start at AED 49.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.

For UAE subscribers planning to travel, the update will likely be well received, but Disney has left one question open. It confirms Europe and the United States as supported markets but doesn’t yet say which others fall under and beyond.