Arab Financial Services (AFS), the Middle East and Africa’s leading digital payments solutions provider, has announced the launch of AFS PRO Tap to Pay on iPhone in Bahrain, allowing merchants to accept contactless payments directly on their iPhone, no additional hardware required.

The announcement was made at the fourth edition of Gateway Gulf, held on 1–2 November 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), the forum is being held under the theme “Reimagining Global Partnerships, Powering Sustainable Growth”.

For merchants who are always on the move, from independent retailers and entrepreneurs to service providers and pop-up businesses, carrying a dedicated payment terminal is not always practical. AFS PRO Tap to Pay on iPhone changes that, turning a device merchants already carry into a fully functional payment acceptance tool.

Customers simply tap their card, phone or wearable device on the merchant’s iPhone to complete a payment — a seamless experience that requires nothing more than the device in their pocket.

The solution is particularly well suited for businesses seeking greater flexibility at checkout, offering a simple and convenient payment option without adding to their existing setup.

“Merchants seek technologies that adapt to the way they do business, not the other way around,” said Dr. Samer Soliman, Group Chief Executive Officer of Arab Financial Services. “AFS PRO Tap to Pay on iPhone is a practical example of how we are responding to that expectation.”

Following the Bahrain launch, AFS is preparing for a further launch in the UAE in early November 2026 in collaboration with Mawarid Finance and Mastercard, continuing its focus on broadening access to digital payment solutions across the region.