The UAE is one of the most digitally advanced payments markets in the world. Here is the complete 2025 guide to digital payment options for UAE businesses.
UAE Consumer Digital Payment Landscape
UAE consumers are highly digital-payments-literate: contactless card penetration: over 90% of UAE card transactions are contactless. Apple Pay and Google Pay: widely accepted at UAE retailers, restaurants, and petrol stations. UAE Pay (Al Etihad Payments): UAE Central Bank national digital payment scheme, launched 2024. WPS (Wage Protection System): mandatory for all UAE private sector employer salary payments. UAEFTS (UAE Funds Transfer System): UAE instant bank-to-bank transfers. SWIFT: international wire transfers. IPS (Instant Payment Settlement): CBUAE real-time payment rail.
Accepting Digital Payments as a UAE Business
For a UAE business to accept card payments: you need a UAE business bank account, and a UAE payment gateway or POS terminal. UAE payment gateways for online businesses: PayFort/Amazon Payment Services (most widely used UAE gateway), Telr (UAE-founded, strong SME focus), HyperPay (MENA-focused), Stripe (available in UAE since 2022, international brands), and Checkout.com (enterprise-focused, UAE operational). POS terminals for physical businesses: supplied by your UAE bank (most banks supply contactless terminals). Network International: independent POS terminal provider. Zettle by PayPal: mobile card reader (available in UAE). Cost: UAE payment gateways typically charge 2.5-3.5% per transaction (for cards). Wio Bank offers competitive payment gateway rates for its business account holders.