IKEA enters Qatari e-commerce space by partnering with QNB and Mastercard

• Shoppers in Qatar can now purchase IKEA products online


• QNB and Mastercard Payment Gateway Services behind IKEA’s secure online checkout

Doha, 29 September 2020 – IKEA, one of the world’s largest home furnishing brands has recently announced the launch of their e-commerce store in Qatar, enabling local shoppers to order their favorite items online and pay with a credit card. In order to ensure fast, safe and convenient online payment experience IKEA teamed up with Qatar National Bank – the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa- to provide reliable local acquiring services combined with Mastercard’s payment gateway platform.

QNB offers digital e-commerce products built on innovation and service excellence, keeping businesses up to date with the latest payment solutions, powered by trusted and secure Mastercard technology.

IKEA customers can now securely pay for their online purchases using all major credit card brands, knowing that their payment details are always protected by the latest technology. Some of the features that enhance IKEA’s checkout security include tokenization (ability to convert sensitive card details into an unreadable token) and 3D Secure.

Vinod Jayan, Managing Director at IKEA said: “I am thrilled to announce this milestone that will allow us to reach the many people of Qatar online, as in our store. A convenient and easy shopping experience has always been a guiding principle in the IKEA story. How people browse, shop and pay online, is just as important as the quality and experience they get in our store. That is why we constantly look for the latest technologies and security solutions to power our online presence, and ensure our customers are protected. Having worked with Mastercard Payment Gateway Services in other parts of the MEA region, we had the trust and confidence to extend the partnership into Qatar, and QNB was an easy choice when it comes to local acquiring services, given their great track record with large e-commerce businesses and industry expertise.”

Arjun Singh, EVP Cards & Payments at Al-Futtaim (IKEA’s franchisee in the region), said: “There has never been a more pronounced shift to ecommerce than what we have seen this past year and we are pleased to see another milestone in IKEA’s digital ambitions, with the support of the Mastercard’s payment gateway platform.  IKEA’s online capabilities have gone from strength to strength with Qatar utilizing the Mastercard platform to deliver safe, seamless and convenient online shopping.”

Commenting on this partnership, Ms. Heba Al-Tamimi, General Manager, QNB Group Retail, said “QNB is pleased to be part of this partnership with IKEA. Our pioneering payment solutions provided in cooperation with Mastercard are a good example of our commitment to provide superior payment experiences. We will continue to collaborate with industry leading partners to ensure that customers and merchants in Qatar are availed with the best technologies.’’

Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President for Market Development MEA at Mastercard added: “The current climate as impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly demonstrated the importance of the digital economy and its ability to ensure sustainability and growth. We are proud to join hands with QNB and IKEA to enable Qatari shoppers to purchase and pay for their products in a safe, secure and convenient manner from the comfort of their own home. We are also excited to see how this partnership enhances the domestic ecosystem.”