A new futuristic payment solution that allows users to make purchases by simply scanning their hand could soon be piloted in Bahrain.
The proposal to study the introduction of palm or hand scanning payment technology has been officially submitted by the Strategic Thinking Parliamentary Bloc and is now under legislative review.
The proposal was presented by Ahmed Al Salloom, chairman of Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee and president of the bloc, to Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam yesterday.
It has since been referred back to Mr Al Salloom’s committee for detailed evaluation in co-ordination with the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), the Benefit Company, the Industry and Commerce Ministry and the Bahrain Chamber.
Palm scan payment systems have been gaining momentum globally, especially in China, where companies like Tencent have pioneered the technology.
The system uses advanced biometric tools – specifically infrared cameras – to identify unique palm prints and vein patterns.
The process involves four main steps: User registration, palm scan at the point of sale, biometric verification and transaction processing.
It is already being used in subways, convenience stores and other service points across China.
“Eighteen months ago, China launched this payment technology and while there were initial concerns around privacy and security, these have been largely addressed through stringent safety features,” said Mr Al Salloom.
“That doesn’t mean the system is flawless or can be implemented overnight in Bahrain.
“We must conduct a full study involving all stakeholders to ensure safety and reliability.”
Mr Al Salloom stressed Bahrain’s openness to digital innovation, while ensuring public confidence and data protection.
“Years ago, China introduced mobile payments, and people were wary of fraud and misuse,” he explained.
“Today, we have BenefitPay. Bahrain took that technology further than many countries, with better security features and broad adoption.
“The same level of scrutiny and innovation must be applied to palm scanning technology.”
According to Mr Al Salloom, who is also a Bahrain Chamber board member, Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society and Better Life Society chairman, the proposal seeks not just to replicate international trends, but to evaluate their viability and risks in the local context.
“It’s important to remember that any biometric payment system must respect user consent, data privacy and the option to deactivate the service at any time.”
The Strategic Thinking Bloc’s spokesman, MP Khalid Bu Onk, highlighted the practicality and convenience of palm scanning payments.
“You don’t need a card. You don’t need your mobile phone, which may be off or out of battery. You just need your hand,” he said.
“It’s a highly secure, user-friendly technology that reduces friction in daily transactions.”
Mr Bu Onk added that this initiative aligns with Bahrain’s national digital transformation strategy.
“This is not about replacing BenefitPay or other systems; it’s about offering another secure option to make life easier for people.”
The financial and economic affairs committee will now consult with the CBB and other key institutions to study the technical, legal and commercial implications of introducing biometric palm payments in Bahrain.
The review will include data protection standards, integration possibilities with existing platforms and potential pilot projects.
If endorsed, Bahrain could become one of the first countries in the region to test this biometric payment method, continuing its trajectory as a fintech and digital innovation hub.
Tencent’s palm payment system works by using an infrared scanner to capture biometric data tied to the user’s account. This system is currently used in multiple sectors in China and is promoted for its high convenience, rapid processing and fraud-resistant mechanisms.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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