SADAD
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersManama, Bahrain
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What SADAD does
SADAD Electronic Payment System BSC Closed is a Bahraini closed-joint-stock company founded in 2010 that operates a multi-channel electronic payment platform anchored by a nationwide self-service kiosk network of 850-1,000+ locations across Bahrain, of which 50+ operate 24/7. The platform also includes a mobile application (iOS and Android, 60+ services) and an online express payment portal, and supports both cash and card transactions. It is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain as an Ancillary Payment Service Provider, and holds PCI-DSS, ISO 27001, eFada, FATCA/CRS, and Visa Verified credentials.
The core technology stack centers on an electronic payment processing platform that integrates directly with telecom operators (VIVA, Zain, Batelco), utilities (Electricity and Water Authority), government entities (iGA, LMRA, GDT, Bahrain Post), banks and exchange houses (ICICI, Al Baraka, Beyon Money, NEC, Zenj, UAE Exchange), insurers (Bahrain National Insurance, Solidarity), and education institutions, providing 80+ billable services. Proprietary features include tokenized card storage (Save Your Card), BenefitPay QR interoperability with 3-second settlement, blockchain-based e-Gift Vouchers (first in the Middle East), a B2B electronic invoicing product called Sadded (with 24-hour settlement to merchant bank accounts), biometric fingerprint payments via EazyNet, and a 1.5ms payment-processing latency. A Talabat partnership operates 900 cash-collection machines for gig-economy rider deposits, and the Indian Embassy runs a digital fee-collection kiosk serving approximately 340,000 Indians in Bahrain.
SADAD generates revenue primarily through transaction fees charged to merchants and service providers for processing payments across its kiosk, mobile, and online channels; B2B invoicing on the Sadded platform is also transaction-based. The customer base spans individual consumers (with emphasis on unbanked/underbanked cash-paying users), service providers acting as distribution partners, government entities digitizing citizen services under Bahrain's Vision 2030, and business owners using Sadded for receivables. Distribution is partner-led: telecom operators, banks, government bodies, and merchants drive traffic to SADAD's rails via their own customer bases. The company has 11-50 employees, is privately held (no disclosed venture funding or parent company), and continues to expand its kiosk footprint, product surface, and service-provider integrations.
SADAD firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SADAD
- Legal name
- SADAD Electronic Payment System BSC Closed
- Website
- https://sadadbahrain.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where SADAD is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Manama
- HQ country
- Bahrain
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices1 record
Markets served
SADAD business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Transaction/Payment Processing Fees: SADAD charges merchants and service providers a transaction fee for processing payments through its kiosks, mobile app, and online platform. The company acts as an intermediary collecting payments from customers and distributing to third-party service providers.
- Kiosk Network Services: Revenue generated from providing kiosk infrastructure to service providers including telecom companies, utilities, government entities, and financial institutions. Service providers gain access to SADAD's 850+ kiosk network.
- Sadded Platform (B2B Invoicing): Electronic invoicing solution for businesses enabling them to send invoices via SMS/email and collect payments through SADAD channels. Provides cashless, fast, and secure payment collection for merchants.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Standard SADAD Account |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | NEC Remit International Transfer Promotion |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Sadded Business Invoicing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
SADAD product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SADAD operates an electronic payment processing platform in Bahrain consisting of a network of 1000+ self-service kiosks, a mobile application (iOS/Android), and an online payment portal. The platform enables consumers to pay bills for 80+ services including telecom, utilities, government fees, education, insurance, and international money transfers using cash or cards. SADAD also offers the Sadded electronic invoicing sub-product for businesses to collect payments from customers via SMS/email with payment links.
Product overview
SADAD is a comprehensive electronic payment platform based in Bahrain offering a multi-channel payment ecosystem consisting of a nationwide kiosk network (850+ locations), a mobile application (iOS/Android), and online express payment services. The core offering includes the kiosk network and mobile app as the primary service delivery channels, supplemented by the Sadded online invoicing sub-product for business-to-consumer payments and blockchain-based e-Gift Vouchers. The platform integrates with various telecom providers (VIVA, Zain, Batelco), utility companies (Electricity and Water Authority), government services, financial institutions, insurance companies, educational institutions, and money transfer services to provide over 100 payment services including bill payments, money transfers, prepaid card purchases, and government fee payments. The company operates as an Ancillary Payment Service Provider licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Sadded: An electronic invoicing system that allows businesses and individuals to issue invoices to customers via SMS or email with URL/link to process payments. Designed for deliveries, school fee payments, insurance payments, and various business activities requiring collection of due amounts.
- e-Gift Vouchers
Products and services
- SADAD Kiosk Network Self-service payment kiosks available at over 1000 locations across Bahrain with 50+ operating 24/7. Enables cash and card payments for 80+ services including telecom bills, utilities, government fees, money transfers, gift cards, and entertainment subscriptions. The kiosks are the primary payment channel and the foundation of SADAD's distribution network.
- SADAD Mobile Application Mobile app for Android and iOS enabling customers to make payments on the go, pay multiple bills in a single session, transfer money, purchase gift cards, and manage saved payment cards. Features include card tokenization for secure debit/credit card storage, in-app balance, multi-payment capability, and 60+ available services.
- SADAD Online Express Payments Web-based payment portal accessible at pay.sadadbahrain.com for making online bill payments without needing cash or physical kiosk visits. Accessible from any device with no installation required, enabling consumers to pay for 80+ services online.
- Sadded Electronic Invoicing Platform Online invoicing platform for businesses to issue electronic invoices to customers via SMS or email with payment links. Supports cashless, fast, secure payments for deliveries, school fees, insurance payments, rental collections, and general business activities. Funds are settled to business bank accounts within 24 hours.
- SADAD Blockchain E-Gift Vouchers Blockchain-based gift voucher system, the first of its kind in the Middle East. Uses distributed ledger technology for secure issuance, transaction, and sharing of gift vouchers within SADAD's private blockchain network. Available via mobile app and kiosks, providing faster processing, lower transaction costs, and fraud reduction.
Quantifiable outcome
- 98% market penetration in Bahrain
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use SADAD
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
SADAD technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature6 records
SADAD partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
36 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Dukhan BankminorMemorandum of Understanding signed to assess potential collaboration in SME banking, merchant banking, and payment acceptance services. Dukhan Bank positioned as preferred banking partner for merchants on Sadad platforms.
- Arab Financial Services (AFS)coreAFS is the official acquiring partner of SADAD, enabling enhanced payment services and seamless secure transactions for customers across Bahrain.
- ARAMEXminorSADAD kiosks placed at ARAMEX branches for payment of ARAMEX services. Accepts cash, credit, debit cards, and Benefit Pay.
- Beyon MoneycoreBeyon Money's International Remittance services made available on all SADAD machines across Bahrain.
- Bahrain PostminorPassport renewal payment service for Bangladesh nationals at post offices in Manama, Riffa, Isa Town, Hamad Town, and Muharraq.
- Arabian TaximinorConvenient payment channel across all taxies for taxi fare payments.
- Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA)coreSADAD dispensing machines at LMRA's Sitra Industrial branch and Labour Registration Centres for worker fee payments.
- Amakin (Bahrain Car Parks Company)minorElectronic parking payment services through SADAD kiosks.
- Transportech BahrainminorPayment solutions for Transportech customers across Bahrain using SADAD's wide kiosk network.
- Al Baraka Islamic BankcoreFirst bank on SADAD platform. Enables Islamic banking services through SADAD payment channels.
- Forza Bahrain RacingminorSponsorship of motorsport team and Bahrain Rotax Championship. CSR initiative supporting Bahraini youth and sports.
- TalabatcoreCash collection solutions for Talabat riders with 900+ collection machines. Future Rider Digital Wallet integration planned.
- EGLOOZminorPropTech platform for online rental collection enabling landlords to receive payments through SADAD channels.
- Zenj ExchangecoreInternational and domestic remittances with coverage of 32 currencies and tie-ups with 250+ banks worldwide.
- NEC ExchangecoreInternational and domestic remittances available 24/7, 7 days a week through SADAD kiosks.
- Al Hekma International SchoolminorStudent registration and re-registration fees through SADAD kiosks and app.
- Gulf UniversityminorSadded invoicing enables remote parent invoicing for tuition payments.
- Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA)coreePayment services including traffic contravention payments, license renewals, vehicle registration through SADAD kiosks.
- British University of BahraincoreTuition fee payments using SADAD's self-service kiosks, mobile app, and online express payments.
- Indian School BahraincoreSchool fee payments through SADAD kiosks, mobile app, and online express payments across Bahrain.
- BENEFIT (BenefitPay)coreBenefitPay users can pay via mobile by scanning QR codes on SADAD kiosks. Payment completes within 3 seconds.
- Bahrain National Insurance (bni)core24/7 insurance renewal services through 850+ self-service kiosks.
- Solidarity BahraincoreInsurance renewal services through 850+ self-service kiosks.
- Sadeem (Bapco)minorSadeem card top-up services through SADAD kiosks.
- VIVA CashcoreVIVA Cash mobile wallet with cash deposits available at SADAD's 850 machines. Powered by VIVA and SADAD.
- UAE Exchangecore24/7 international and domestic money transfer service through SADAD kiosks. First exchange house in UAE to partner with OSN for cash payments.
- OSNminorSubscription payments for OSN entertainment network through SADAD mobile app, website, and 850 kiosks.
- MINT PrepaidminorUniversal prepaid cards available for purchase at 700+ SADAD kiosks. Accepted on major gaming and retail websites.
- ICICI BankcoreTouch n Remit 24X7 remittance service enabling NRIs in Bahrain to transfer funds to India. First bank in Bahrain to offer kiosk-based money transfer to India.
- Royal Charity Organisation (RCO)coreDonation services for RCO-sponsored families at all SADAD kiosks. Save a Dream campaign for education sponsorship.
- VIVA BahraincorePartnership with 250+ payment kiosks for VIVA bill payments, prepaid recharges, and broadband. VIVA Cash wallet deposits available through SADAD kiosks.
- ZaincoreZain bill payments (prepaid, postpaid, broadband) available through SADAD kiosks.
- BatelcocoreBatelco bill payments, calling cards, and recharge services available at SADAD kiosks.
- Electricity and Water Authority (EWA)coreElectricity and water bill payments available at SADAD kiosks.
- SafaghatminorInvestment in open deals through SADAD kiosks and mobile app.
- Cleanup BahrainminorCSR partnership for beach cleanup initiative.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SADAD competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Magnati: UAE-based payment processor offering merchant acquiring, prepaid cards, and digital payment services across the region. Broader portfolio than SADAD but overlapping capabilities in merchant services and card-based payment processing.
- Network International: Largest MENA-focused payment processor offering merchant acquiring, card processing, and digital payment solutions across the region. Overlaps with SADAD's merchant acquiring and processing capabilities but operates across a much broader portfolio and geography.
- Arab Financial Services (AFS): Bahrain-headquartered regional card processor and merchant acquirer providing payment processing, issuing, and digital services across MENA. Already SADAD's official acquiring partner, and a broad incumbent whose card-processing capabilities intersect with SADAD's merchant offering.
Emerging players
- PayTabs: MENA-focused payment solutions company providing payment gateways, mobile payments, and merchant services across multiple countries. Comparable product set and target market to SADAD's merchant services, though distributed entirely through digital channels.
- Geidea: Saudi Arabian fintech providing payment gateway, POS, and merchant acquiring solutions targeting SMBs. Comparable in focus on B2B merchant services and digital payment acceptance to SADAD's B2B invoicing and Sadded platform.
- Telr: UAE-based online payment gateway offering multi-currency processing, fraud prevention, and merchant services across MENA. Competes with SADAD in digital payment processing, particularly for online merchants served via Sadded and the web platform.
Direct peers
- Fawry: Egypt's leading electronic bill payment platform offering multi-channel payments (kiosks, retail, mobile, web) for utilities, telecom, education, and government. The most direct business-model peer to SADAD across the broader MENA region, operating at significantly larger scale.
- Fawran (Saudi Post / SPL): Saudi Arabia's national bill payment service operated through the Saudi Post / SPL network, enabling cash payments for government and utility bills across thousands of locations. Mirrors SADAD's kiosk-anchored, government-bill-payment model at much larger geographic scale.
- Knet (Kuwait National Payment Network): Kuwait's national electronic payment network offering kiosk-based and online bill payment for telecom, utilities, and government services. Closest comparable to SADAD in business model, with a dominant national share analogous to SADAD's Bahrain position.
- BENEFIT (BenefitPay): Bahrain's national payment switch and operator of BenefitPay, providing similar electronic bill payment infrastructure directly competing with SADAD in the Bahraini market. Already integrated with SADAD kiosks via QR but operates a competing consumer payment app.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SADAD social profiles
Digital presenceSADAD compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
SADAD financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SADAD leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
SADAD funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SADAD M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SADAD
What does SADAD do?
SADAD operates an electronic payment processing platform in Bahrain consisting of a network of 1000+ self-service kiosks, a mobile application (iOS/Android), and an online payment portal. The platform enables consumers to pay bills for 80+ services including telecom, utilities, government fees, education, insurance, and international money transfers using cash or cards. SADAD also offers the Sadded electronic invoicing sub-product for businesses to collect payments from customers via SMS/email with payment links.
Is SADAD a public or private company?
SADAD is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was SADAD founded?
SADAD was founded in 2010. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is SADAD based?
SADAD is headquartered in Manama, Bahrain, in the Middle East region.
How does SADAD make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Transaction/Payment Processing Fees are the primary driver. The others are kiosk Network Services and sadded Platform (B2B Invoicing).
Who are SADAD's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Magnati, Network International and Arab Financial Services (AFS). Emerging players are PayTabs, Geidea and Telr. Direct peers are Fawry, Fawran (Saudi Post / SPL), Knet (Kuwait National Payment Network) and BENEFIT (BenefitPay).
Does SADAD have an API?
No public API is recorded for SADAD.