The confidence to purchase online depends on type of payment gateway providers in UAE that is offered to the client on your eCommerce website or mobile application, so when setting up an online business you should know which payment gateway in UAE is acceptable for your customers.
The United Arab Emirates stands at the forefront of digital transformation in the Middle East, with e-commerce and digital payments experiencing unprecedented growth. As businesses increasingly shift online, the demand for reliable, secure, and efficient payment gateway solutions has skyrocketed. Payment gateways serve as the critical infrastructure enabling businesses to accept online payments securely, processing transactions between customers, merchants, and financial institutions.
In recent years, the UAE has witnessed a significant evolution in its payment ecosystem, driven by government initiatives promoting cashless transactions, changing consumer preferences, and the rapid expansion of e-commerce. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this shift, with digital payment adoption surging as consumers sought contactless shopping experiences.
This comprehensive guide explores the leading payment gateway providers in the UAE, evaluating their features, benefits, integration capabilities, pricing structures, and suitability for different business types. Whether you’re a startup launching your first e-commerce venture or an established enterprise looking to optimize your payment processing, this post will help you navigate the complex landscape of payment solutions in the Emirates.
Understanding Payment Gateways Providers in UAE
A payment gateway is a technology service that authorizes credit card payments for e-commerce sites and traditional brick-and-mortar businesses. It encrypts sensitive payment information, ensures funds are available, and facilitates the transfer between the customer’s account and the merchant’s account.
In the UAE, payment gateways must operate within specific regulatory frameworks established by the Central Bank of the UAE. These regulations focus on security standards, data protection, anti-money laundering measures, and consumer protection. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory, making it essential for businesses to select properly licensed payment gateway providers.
The UAE’s payment landscape has several unique characteristics:
- Multi-currency support: With a large expatriate population and significant international commerce, gateways must support transactions in multiple currencies.
- Regional payment methods: Beyond standard credit and debit cards, UAE consumers use regional payment methods like MADA, MEEZA, and various bank transfers.
- Islamic banking considerations: Many consumers prefer Sharia-compliant payment options, making this an important feature for payment gateways serving the market.
- Language requirements: Support for both Arabic and English is essential for serving the local market effectively.
Prerequisites for Acquiring a Payment Gateway in the UAE
Establishing an online payment processing capability in the UAE requires meeting specific regulatory and business requirements. These prerequisites ensure compliance with local laws and protect both merchants and consumers.
Legal and Regulatory Requirements
- Business License: You must have a valid UAE trade license that explicitly permits e-commerce or online sales activities. Depending on your business type, this could be:
- Mainland company license
- Free zone license (with proper permissions)
- DED e-trader license (for smaller operations)
- Central Bank Compliance: Payment processing in the UAE falls under the supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE. While the gateway provider handles much of the compliance, merchants must:
- Register with the Central Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
- Implement Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures
- Comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations
- Data Protection Compliance: Merchants must adhere to:
- UAE Personal Data Protection Law
- Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 regarding data protection
- GDPR requirements if serving European customers
Merchant Account Requirements
Most payment gateways require businesses to have a merchant account. To qualify, you typically need:
- Banking Documentation:
- Corporate bank account with a UAE-based bank
- Bank statements (typically 3-6 months)
- Letter of authorization for direct debits
- Business Documentation:
- Trade license copy
- Memorandum of Association
- Emirates ID/passport copies of shareholders
- Proof of business address
- Website or Application Requirements:
- Fully functional website/app with clear product listings
- Privacy policy
- Terms and conditions
- Returns and refund policy
- Contact information clearly displayed
- SSL certificate (minimum 256-bit encryption)
- Financial Requirements:
- Minimum processing volume (varies by provider)
- Security deposit (may be required for high-risk businesses)
- Good credit history and financial standing
Technical Requirements
- PCI DSS Compliance: Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard compliance is mandatory. This involves:
- Completing a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)
- Maintaining secure systems and networks
- Regular security testing and monitoring
- Documented information security policies
- Technical Infrastructure:
- Compatible e-commerce platform or custom website
- API integration capabilities
- Secure server environment
- Proper SSL/TLS implementation
High-Risk Business Considerations
Certain business types are classified as “high-risk” and face additional scrutiny:
- Travel and tourism
- Subscription services
- Digital products/services
- Dating services
- Gaming and gambling
- Pharmaceuticals
- Financial services
These businesses typically face:
- Higher processing fees
- Larger security deposits
- Extended holding periods
- More stringent documentation requirements
- More frequent compliance checks
Leading Payment Gateway Providers in UAE
Network International
As the first independent vendor certified by both Visa and Mastercard in the Middle East, Network International has established itself as a dominant player in the UAE payment ecosystem. The company offers a comprehensive suite of payment solutions, including online payment gateways, point-of-sale terminals, and merchant acquiring services.
Key Features:
- Support for over 100 currencies
- Advanced fraud detection and prevention tools
- Integration with major e-commerce platforms
- Recurring billing capabilities
- Detailed reporting and analytics
- Mobile payment acceptance
Pricing Structure:
- Setup fee: AED 1,500-5,000 (varies by merchant category)
- Monthly fee: AED 250-500
- Transaction fees:
- Local cards: 2.0-3.0% per transaction
- International cards: 3.0-3.5% per transaction
- MADA/MEEZA cards: 1.8-2.5% per transaction
- Currency conversion fee: 1.5-2.0%
- Chargeback fee: AED 150 per instance
Settlement Timeline:
- Standard settlement: 3-5 business days
- Express settlement (additional fee): Next business day
- Integration timeframe: 2-4 weeks for full implementation
Network International’s platform is particularly well-suited for large enterprises and businesses with regional expansion plans across the Middle East and Africa. Their extensive banking relationships and regulatory compliance expertise make them a trusted partner for businesses seeking a comprehensive payment solution.
Telr
Founded in Dubai, Telr has positioned itself as a payment gateway specifically designed for emerging markets. Their unified payment platform combines gateway technology, merchant management systems, and consulting services.
Key Features:
- Multi-currency processing capabilities
- Direct integrations with major shopping carts
- Anti-fraud tools
- Mobile SDKs for app integration
- Social commerce capabilities
- Recurring payment options
Pricing Structure:
- Setup fee: AED 999-1,499
- Monthly fee: AED 150-350
- Transaction fees:
- Local cards: 1.8-2.8% + AED 1 per transaction
- International cards: 2.8-3.2% + AED 1 per transaction
- Alternative payment methods: 1.5-3.5% (varies by method)
- Currency conversion fee: 1.5%
- Refund fee: AED 10 per transaction
- Chargeback fee: AED 100 per instance
Settlement Timeline:
- Standard settlement: 5-7 business days
- Premium settlement (for established merchants): 2-3 business days
- Integration timeframe: 1-3 weeks depending on complexity
Telr’s focus on small and medium-sized businesses has made it a popular choice for startups and growing enterprises in the UAE. Their competitive pricing structure and localized support have contributed to their strong position in the market.
PayTabs
With a strong presence across the GCC region, PayTabs offers payment solutions tailored to the Middle Eastern market. The company provides both online and in-person payment processing services, with particular emphasis on security and ease of integration.
Key Features:
- PCI DSS Level 1 compliance
- White-label payment solutions
- Installment payment options
- Invoice generation tools
- Marketplace payment solutions
- Customizable checkout experiences
Pricing Structure:
- Setup fee: AED 999-1,999
- Monthly fee: AED 99-299 (based on package)
- Transaction fees:
- Basic package: 2.5-3.0% + AED 1
- Premium package: 2.2-2.8% + AED 1
- Enterprise package: Custom pricing
- Currency conversion fee: 1.8%
- Refund processing fee: AED 15
- Chargeback fee: AED 125
Settlement Timeline:
- Standard settlement: 5-7 business days
- Premium settlement: 3-5 business days
- Enterprise settlement: Customizable (as fast as next day)
- Integration timeframe: 7-14 days for standard implementation
PayTabs has gained popularity among UAE businesses for its robust security measures and flexibility. Their platform supports various payment methods popular in the region, making them particularly suitable for businesses serving local customers.
Amazon Payment Services (formerly PayFort)
Following Amazon’s acquisition of PayFort, Amazon Payment Services has leveraged its parent company’s technological capabilities to enhance its payment gateway offerings. The service maintains strong relationships with major banks across the MENA region.
Key Features:
- One-click checkout options
- Tokenization for secure recurring payments
- Split payments functionality
- Installment plans
- Advanced fraud management
- Detailed transaction reporting
Pricing Structure:
- Setup fee: AED 1,500-3,000
- Monthly fee: AED 250-500
- Transaction fees:
- Standard plan: 2.7-3.2% + AED 1
- Premium plan: 2.3-2.9% + AED 1
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing
- Currency conversion fee: 1.5%
- Refund fee: Free (processing bank charges may apply)
- Chargeback fee: AED 150
- Installment plan processing: Additional 0.5-1.5%
Settlement Timeline:
- Standard settlement: 3-5 business days
- Premium settlement: 1-2 business days
- Integration timeframe: 2-4 weeks for full integration
Amazon Payment Services benefits from integration with Amazon’s broader ecosystem, making it an attractive option for businesses already utilizing other Amazon services. Their established banking relationships facilitate smoother payment processing and potentially faster settlement times.
Checkout.com
As a global payment solution provider with a strong UAE presence, Checkout.com offers a unified platform for processing payments across various channels. Their emphasis on technology and data analytics distinguishes them in the competitive payment gateway market.
Key Features:
- Unified API for all payment methods
- Real-time reporting and analytics
- Advanced risk management tools
- Direct access to the scheme network
- Customizable payment flows
- High transaction success rates
Pricing Structure:
- Setup fee: AED 0-2,500 (depending on merchant size)
- Monthly fee: AED 350-750
- Transaction fees:
- Standard: 2.0-3.0% + AED 1
- Enterprise (high volume): Custom pricing
- Alternative payment methods: 1.5-3.5% (varies by method)
- Currency conversion fee: 1.0-1.5%
- Chargeback fee: AED 150
- Refund fee: Free (merchant still pays original transaction fee)
Settlement Timeline:
- Standard settlement: 4-7 business days
- Priority settlement: 1-3 business days (subject to approval)
- Integration timeframe: 1-4 weeks (depends on integration complexity)
Checkout.com’s sophisticated technology stack makes it particularly suitable for tech-forward businesses and enterprises with complex payment requirements. Their focus on maximizing authorization rates can translate to revenue gains for high-volume merchants.
CCAvenue
With over two decades of experience in online payments, CCAvenue has built a strong reputation in the UAE market. Their payment gateway supports a wide range of payment options and works across various industries.
Key Features:
- 200+ payment options
- Multi-currency processing
- Seamless checkout experience
- Fraud detection systems
- Automated reconciliation
- Shopping cart integrations
Pricing Structure:
- Setup fee: AED 999-1,999
- Monthly fee: AED 199-399
- Transaction fees:
- Credit/debit cards: 2.5-3.0%
- Net banking: 2.0-2.5%
- Digital wallets: 2.0-3.0%
- EMI options: Additional 1.5-2.5%
- Currency conversion fee: 2.0%
- Chargeback fee: AED 120
- Refund processing fee: AED 10
Settlement Timeline:
- Standard settlement: 7 business days
- Priority settlement: 3-5 business days (for established merchants)
- Integration timeframe: 7-14 days
CCAvenue’s extensive experience in the payment industry has allowed them to develop eCommerce solutions that address specific regional challenges. Their diverse payment method support makes them particularly valuable for businesses targeting a wide customer base.
How to Select the Best Payment Gateway Providers in the UAE
Fees and Pricing Structure
Payment gateway providers typically charge several types of fees:
- Setup fees
- Monthly maintenance fees
- Transaction fees (percentage and/or fixed amount)
- Currency conversion fees
- Refund processing fees
- Chargeback fees
When evaluating providers, it’s essential to understand the complete fee structure and how it aligns with your business model. Some providers offer tiered pricing based on transaction volume, which can benefit growing businesses.
Supported Payment Methods
While credit and debit cards remain popular, UAE consumers increasingly use alternative payment methods including:
- Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
- Bank transfers
- Buy-now-pay-later solutions
- Regional card networks
- Cash on delivery options
The ideal payment gateway should support the payment methods preferred by your target audience.
Integration Capabilities
Consider how easily the payment gateway integrates with your existing systems:
- E-Commerce platforms (Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce)
- ERP systems
- CRM software
- Accounting tools
- Mobile applications
Most providers offer APIs, plugins, and SDKs, but the quality and documentation of these integration tools vary significantly.
Security Features
Security is paramount when handling payment information. Look for:
- PCI DSS compliance
- 3D Secure authentication
- Tokenization capabilities
- SSL/TLS encryption
- Fraud detection and prevention tools
- Risk management systems
Settlement Time
The time between payment processing and funds becoming available in your account can significantly impact cash flow. Settlement times typically range from 1-7 business days, with some providers offering expedited settlement options for an additional fee.
Customer Support
Reliable customer support is crucial, especially when dealing with payment issues. Evaluate:
- Support hours (ideally 24/7)
- Support channels (phone, email, chat)
- Language support (Arabic and English)
- Response time guarantees
- Dedicated account management
Detailed Timelines for Payment Gateway Setup and Operation
Understanding the complete timeline from application to full operation helps businesses plan effectively:
| Phase | Stage | Timeline | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application and Approval Process | Initial Application | 3-5 days | • Submission of business documents
• Preliminary risk assessment • Initial application review |
| Due Diligence | 1-2 weeks | • Business model verification
• Financial health assessment • Website/application review • Background checks for key personnel |
|
| Underwriting Process | 1-2 weeks | • In-depth risk analysis
• Transaction volume assessment • Pricing determination • Contract preparation |
|
| Contract Finalization | 3-5 days | • Legal review
• Fee structure confirmation • Service level agreement establishment • Contract signing |
|
| Technical Integration | Development Environment Setup | 2-5 days | • API credentials provision
• Sandbox access • Documentation and SDK access • Developer support onboarding |
| Integration Implementation | 1-3 weeks | • API implementation
• Plugin configuration • Checkout flow development • Payment method setup |
|
| Testing Phase | 3-7 days | • Transaction testing
• Error handling verification • User experience testing • Security testing |
|
| Compliance Verification | 2-5 days | • PCI DSS compliance confirmation
• 3D Secure implementation check • Data protection audit • Security standards verification |
|
| Go-Live and Operational Timeline | Production Environment Setup | 1-3 days | • Live credentials provision
• Production environment configuration • Final security checks |
| Soft Launch | 3-5 days | • Limited transaction processing
• Monitoring and adjustments • Issue resolution |
|
| Full Production Launch | 1 day | • Complete gateway activation
• Monitoring tools setup • Support channels confirmation |
|
| Ongoing Operations | Varies | • Transaction settlement (1-7 days depending on provider)
• Reconciliation processes (daily/weekly) • Reporting cycles (real-time to monthly) • Periodic compliance reviews (quarterly/annually) |
|
| Maintenance and Optimization | Regular Updates | As needed | • Security patches (as released)
• Feature updates (quarterly) • Compliance updates (as required) |
| Performance Reviews | Recurring | • Transaction success rate analysis (monthly)
• Fee structure reviews (quarterly/annually) • Chargeback monitoring (ongoing) |
|
| Contract Renewal | Annually | • Performance assessment
• Fee renegotiation • Service level agreement review |
Recommended Strategies for Optimizing Payment Gateway Costs
While pricing structures vary across providers, businesses can employ several strategies to optimize payment processing costs:
Volume-Based Negotiations
Most payment gateways offer tiered pricing based on transaction volume:
- Negotiate rate reductions at specific volume thresholds
- Consider consolidated processing if operating multiple sites
- Request quarterly reviews if volumes consistently exceed projections
Payment Method Optimization
Different payment methods carry different costs:
- Promote lower-cost payment methods to customers
- Consider surcharges for high-cost methods (where legally permitted)
- Optimize routing for multi-acquirer setups
Currency Management
For businesses processing multiple currencies:
- Evaluate Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) options
- Consider local acquiring in high-volume markets
- Compare provider FX rates with alternative solutions
Chargeback Reduction
Implement strategies to minimize costly chargebacks:
- Clear product descriptions and images
- Transparent refund policies
- Delivery tracking implementation
- Recognizable billing descriptors
- Proactive customer service
Contract Optimization
Review payment gateway contracts regularly:
- Eliminate unused features
- Consolidate services where possible
- Negotiate removal of inactivity fees
- Request fee caps for specific transaction types
Conclusion
The payment gateway landscape in the UAE continues to evolve rapidly, shaped by technological innovation, regulatory developments, and changing consumer preferences. Businesses operating in this dynamic market must carefully evaluate their specific requirements when selecting a payment gateway providers in UAE.
Consider factors beyond just pricing—security capabilities, integration options, supported payment methods, and customer support all significantly impact the value a payment gateway delivers. The right provider should not only meet your current needs but also adapt as your business grows and payment technologies advance.
By understanding the unique characteristics of the UAE payment ecosystem and staying informed about emerging trends, businesses can select payment gateway partners that enhance the customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately drive growth in an increasingly digital economy.
Whether you’re a startup looking for an affordable entry-level solution or an enterprise requiring sophisticated payment orchestration capabilities, the diverse range of payment gateway providers in the UAE offers options suited to every business need.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, all details including fees, requirements, and timelines should be verified directly with payment gateway providers as they may change over time.
