10 Best Ecommerce Payment Gateways in UAE

Understanding the Role of Payment Gateways in UAE E-Commerce

A payment gateway is a digital infrastructure that enables consumers to make payments for products and services, while also allowing merchants to collect payments for goods or services rendered. Think of a payment gateway as an online cashier; it facilitates online transactions. 

When a customer clicks “buy now”, the payment gateway takes the customer’s card details securely, verifies if the customer has the right payment amount, then debits the customer and credits the business. This happens within seconds. 

Ecommerce payment gateways in the UAE offer numerous benefits:

• They support local payment methods for UAE consumers who prefer using their Emirates NBD, ADCB, or FAB debit cards.
• They comply with UAE Central Bank regulations.
• They handle local currency so that UAE consumers do not need to worry about currency conversions.
• They provide Arabic language support for UAE residents who may not speak English.
• They build regional trust because users tend to trust a payment provider they can recognize.

The best thing about payment gateways is that you do not have to worry about security issues or lawsuits. These third-party services securely handle every transaction. Your only requirement is to integrate the payment gateway into your ecommerce platform, and you are good to go. 

10 Leading Ecommerce Payment Gateway Providers in UAE

The UAE’s position as a global business hub creates a demand for both local and international payment providers. Local payment gateways understand the regional market intimately. They offer Arabic language support, comply with the UAE’s regulations, support preferred local payment methods (SADAD, Mada cards), and provide faster settlement times with local banks. International payment gateways, on the other hand, bring global reach for businesses in the UAE that cater to international clients. 

The availability of both local and international payment gateways presents an option for businesses to choose solutions that match their target markets. Here are 10 ecommerce payment gateways in the UAE with a mix of local and international payment providers:

1. Telr

Telr was originally launched as Innovative Payments. It’s a UAE-based payment gateway operating in 120+ countries, designed specifically for emerging markets.

Key Features:

• Multi-currency support (over 120 currencies)
• PCI DSS Level 1 certification
• Real-time fraud monitoring
• Social commerce tools and QR code payments
• Payment links for businesses without websites
• Arabic and English language support

Pricing:

• Starter Plan: AED 349/month + transaction fees
• Pro Plan: AED 99/month + 2.49% + AED 0.50 per transaction
• No setup fees

Best for Startups and SMEs that need regional payment methods. It’s perfect for businesses that want to accept SADAD, Mada, and other GCC-specific payment options.

2. PayTabs

Paytabs was founded in 2014 in Saudi Arabia. It has become the go-to payment orchestration platform for the MENA region, with advanced fraud prevention and enterprise-level features.

Key Features:

• Advanced fraud detection using machine learning
• Subscription billing and recurring payments
• Mobile app for payment management
• API integration for custom solutions
• Supports 160+ currencies
• Same-day invoice generation and sending

Pricing:

• Local Payments: 2.90% + AED 1 per transaction
• International Payments: 3.9% per transaction
• Quick setup

Best for subscription businesses, freelancers, and growing SMEs who need affordable, flexible payment solutions with strong regional banking relationships.

3. Stripe

Stripe is currently the global payment technology leader. It recently expanded to the UAE, bringing world-class payment processing with developer-friendly APIs and cutting-edge features.

Key Features:

• Advanced fraud protection using machine learning
• Developer-friendly APIs and extensive documentation
• Support for 135+ currencies and payment methods
• Customizable checkout experiences
• Advanced billing models (usage-based pricing)
• Integration with 500+ business tools

Pricing:

• Local Payments: 2.9% + AED 1 per transaction
• International Payments: An Additional 1% for foreign cards
• No setup fees or monthly charges

Best for tech-driven startups, SaaS businesses, and enterprises that require customized payment solutions.

4. Amazon Payment Services (formerly PayFort)

Payfort was acquired by Amazon in 2020. This payment gateway leverages the trust and technology of the Amazon ecosystem and is tailored specifically for Middle Eastern businesses.

Key Features:

• Machine learning-powered fraud prevention
• Tokenized card storage for repeat customers
• Installment payment options for UAE shoppers
• Integration with the Amazon marketplace
• Multi-language support (Arabic/English)
• Buy Now, Pay Later partnerships

Pricing:

• Around 2.80% + AED 1.00 per transaction
• No monthly or termination fees
• Custom enterprise pricing available

Best for medium to large e-commerce businesses that want the reliability of the Amazon brand and advanced fraud protection for high-volume transactions.

5. Checkout.com

Checkout.com is a UK-based payment technology company known for its customizable solutions and enterprise-level features. It is popular among UAE businesses that need sophisticated payment processing.

Key Features:

• Enterprise-level fraud management
• Adaptive authentication technology
• Extensive global currency support
• Custom payment flows and routing
• Real-time payment insights and analytics
• White-label checkout solutions

Pricing:

• Customized pricing based on business size and risk profile
• Typically competitive for high-volume businesses
• Enterprise consultation required

Best for large enterprises and high-volume e-commerce businesses that need customized payment solutions and sophisticated fraud management.

6. PayCaps

PayCaps is a Dubai-based payment gateway offering white-label solutions and API-driven automation, designed specifically for modern UAE businesses and startups.

Key Features:

• White-label customization options
• API-driven payment automation
• Multi-currency support with smart routing
• Chargeback management and protection
• Fast, user-friendly interface
• Custom branding and themes

Pricing:

• Competitive transaction-based pricing
• No setup fees for qualified businesses
• Custom pricing for high-volume clients

Best for new businesses and startups in the UAE wanting customizable payment solutions that can grow with their brand and offer unique checkout experiences.

7. Network International

As one of the leading payment processors in the Middle East and Africa, Network International offers comprehensive payment and loyalty solutions with deep regional expertise.

Key Features:

• Integrated POS and e-commerce solutions
• Real-time payment insights and analytics
• Contactless payment support
• Customer loyalty program management
• Strong relationships with regional banks
• Local regulatory compliance expertise

Pricing:

• Volume-based pricing requires consultation
• Competitive rates for established businesses
• Custom packages for different business sizes

Best for retailers, hotels, and restaurants needing reliable, localized payment processing with integrated loyalty management systems.

8. CashU

CashU is a pioneering Middle Eastern payment solution that has expanded to serve both the UAE and European markets. It is known for robust security and fraud prevention.

Key Features:

• Advanced Anti-Money Laundering (AML) systems
• Chargeback-free transactions
• Virtual MasterCard services
• Multi-language support
• Regional payment method expertise
• Fraud prevention systems

Pricing:

• A setup fee and a security deposit are required
• Annual fee varies by sales volume
• Very low maintenance charge ($1/year)

Best for businesses targeting MENA region customers who want specialized regional payment methods and fraud protection.

9. 2Checkout (now Verifone)

Verifone is a global payment platform that serves 196 countries and offers comprehensive payment solutions with extensive international reach and multi-currency support.

Key Features:

• Support for 87 currencies and 15 languages
• Multiple payment methods (cards, PayPal, digital wallets)
• Global tax and compliance management
• Subscription and recurring billing
• Advanced analytics and reporting
• No setup or monthly fees

Pricing:

• Pay-as-you-go pricing model
• Competitive international transaction fees
• Volume discounts available

Best for small to medium businesses looking for global reach without high setup costs; ideal for international e-commerce expansion.

10. Noon Payments

Noon Payments is a rapidly growing payment gateway from the Middle East and North Africa region, designed specifically for e-commerce with a local market understanding.

Key Features:

• Multiple payment options (cards, cash-on-delivery)
• Fast and secure transaction processing
• Ecommerce focused features
• Regional market expertise
• Arabic language support
• Mobile-optimized checkout

Pricing:

• Competitive regional pricing
• Multiple payment method support
• Transparent fee structure

Best for ecommerce businesses focused on the MENA region that want fast, secure payments with cash-on-delivery integration.

Core Factors to Evaluate Before Choosing an Ecommerce Payment Gateway

Your payment gateway choice impacts your customers’ user experience and revenue. Some key factors you need to evaluate before choosing an ecommerce payment gateway are:

1. Security

Security is a major factor to consider when deciding on a payment gateway. Your customers are trusting you with their credit card information, and a single security breach destroys the reputation you took years to build. Ensure that the payment gateway you choose is PCI DSS compliant at minimum. Also, make sure the provider offers tokenization and encryption.

2. Know What You’re Really Paying

Payment gateways love to advertise their low fee rates to attract new customers, but the devil’s in the details. There are three types of costs typically associated with payment gateways:

• Transaction fees (usually a percentage plus a flat fee) 
• Monthly fees and setup costs
• Some providers also charge for chargebacks, international transactions, or even account inactivity.

So before you settle on a payment gateway, do the math on your actual transaction volume. Usually, a gateway with slightly higher transaction fees but no monthly fee might be better for new businesses. 

3. Think About Your Customers’ Experience

If the checkout process of your payment gateway is clunky or doesn’t offer your customers’ preferred payment method, you’ll lose sales. Make sure the gateway supports major credit cards, but also consider digital wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. These options will reduce cart abandonment. 

The checkout flow matters too. Are customers redirected to an external site to input their credit card details? If so, they may lose trust; they may think it’s an attempted hack. An on-site experience typically converts better. 

Cost, Compliance, and Security in UAE Payment Processing

Doing business in the UAE is not like any other part of the world. Costs may catch you off guard, and regulatory requirements are getting stricter with each passing year. 

1. Payment Processing Costs

Payment processing in the UAE is more expensive than in Europe or North America, comparatively. Depending on the payment gateway or transaction volume, fees range between 2.5% to 3.9% plus a flat fee of AED 0.5-1 per transaction. 

Apart from the fees you pay per transaction, most UAE payment processors charge an additional monthly gateway fee ranging from AED 200 to AED 1,500. There’s also the setup fee of AED 5,000 or more for some providers. 

International transactions often carry additional surcharges of 1-2%, and if you’re dealing with installment payments or Buy Now, Pay Later options, expect even higher fees.

2. UAE Compliance Requirements

Payment gateways must hold UAE Central Bank authorization or partner with licensed entities. Unlicensed providers cannot legally operate, risking business disruption.

VAT Compliance

• 5% VAT applies to payment processing services
• VAT registration required for businesses processing >AED 375,000 annually
• Input VAT recovery is available for registered businesses

Data Protection

• UAE Data Protection Law requires the secure handling of customer payment data
• Data localization rules restrict moving financial data outside the UAE/GCC
• AML compliance includes transaction monitoring and record keeping

3. Security Measures

PCI DSS compliance is non-negotiable, but in the UAE market, you’ll want to go beyond the minimum requirements. Many UAE processors now offer advanced fraud detection tools, but these services typically come with additional monthly fees of AED 500-2,000, depending on your transaction volume. 

Multi-factor authentication for merchant access is becoming a requirement from many UAE payment processors. So your team might face stringent access controls.

Comparing Local vs International Payment Gateways in UAE

Here are key comparisons between local and international ecommerce payment gateways in the UAE, and which factors should be considered when making a choice:

1. Local Payment Gateways

Key Players: Telr, PayTabs, Network International, PayCaps

Advantages of local payment gateways:

• Supports the Arabic language with cultural understanding
• Complies with Central Bank regulations
• Supports local payment methods, including SADAD, Mada cards, and cash-on-delivery
• Operates in the UAE timezone

Limitations:

• Fewer international currencies (20-50 against 100+)
• Technology gaps in advanced fraud detection and analytics
• Scalability constraints for high-volume or international businesses

2. International Payment Gateways

Key players: Stripe, PayPal, Amazon Payment Services, Checkout.com

Advantages of International payment gateways:

• Global reach supporting 100+ currencies and worldwide payment methods
• Advanced technology with AI fraud detection and sophisticated analytics
• Access to the latest payment technologies and features

Limitations

• Local market gaps with a limited understanding of UAE customer preferences
• Regulatory complexity that requires additional UAE compliance verification
• Support challenges with potential time zone and language barriers

Here’s a quick comparison table between local and international payment gateways:

Conclusion

Choosing the right ecommerce payment solution in the UAE is crucial for your online business success. Whether you need local expertise or global reach, the perfect gateway awaits to boost your conversions and customer trust.

Ready to find your ideal payment solution? Contact ScaleupAlly today for personalized guidance on selecting and implementing the best ecommerce payment gateway in the UAE for your business.