United Arab Emirates

A fast-evolving payments hub connecting the Middle East and global commerce

Overview

The United Arab Emirates has become one of the leading digital payment markets in the Middle East driven by strong government initiatives and a tech-savvy population The payments landscape is shaped by a mix of global schemes and local innovations with high mobile wallet adoption and widespread card usage E-commerce and cross-border payments are growing rapidly supported by world-class financial infrastructure and regulation

Key Characteristics

High penetration of mobile wallets and contactless payments

Strong government support through initiatives like the UAE Vision 2031 and cashless economy programs

Regional hub for fintech and cross-border transactions

Widespread use of global cards alongside local wallets and bank transfers

Supported Payment Methods

Visa

Mastercard

American Express

Apple Pay

Google Pay

Samsung Pay

Careem Pay

STC Pay

Bank transfers and local debit networks

Key Providers

Major players include Network International Mashreq Neo Emirates NBD and international acquirers such as Adyen Stripe and Checkout.com

Regulation and Compliance

The payments sector in the UAE is regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE CBUAE which sets standards for licensing data protection and AML compliance The regulatory framework encourages innovation while ensuring stability and consumer protection

Strengths / Differentiators

Want to know more about payments in the United Arab Emirates?

Contact Bizz2Pay today to discuss your requirements or get introduced to the right Payment Provider covering the most popular payment methods offered in the United Arab Emirates