The Clarista Contactless EMV card is powered with MULTOS operating system and is the first contactless payment method in Saudi Arabia.
By using a contactless card, consumers will experience hassle-free and speed payment applications in the nation’s retail banking market.
The Clarista Contactless EMV card with chip authentication program (CAP) and dynamic passcode authentication (DPA) is suitable for entry-level EMV payment applications.
Gemalto said that Clarista card is compatible with JCB, Mastercard, and Visa in static data authentication (SDA) and dynamic data authentication (DDA).
Gemalto Middle East & Africa president Eric Claudel said: "Riyad Bank will reap the benefits of being first to market in Saudi Arabia, with a solution that offers broad appeal, especially for young, fashion-conscious consumers.
"Gemalto is committed to supporting Riyad Bank in their contactless strategy, which could evolve towards mobile NFC solutions."
Riyad Bank retail products and services section senior vice president and head Khalid Hariry said: "Riyad Bank achieved SAMA2 certification recently and Gemalto was first to offer a dual interface card that meets this requirement, a key determining factor in our decision.
"Based on Riyad Bank’s long-standing and successful business partnership with Gemalto and their position as world leader in contactless EMV cards, they were the natural choice for our innovative project."
Currently, Gemalto employs 14,000 people across its 99 offices, 34 personalization and data centers, and 24 research and software development centers located in 46 countries.
