13 Best Payment Gateways in the UAE [2025]

What makes someone click “Buy Now” is not always the product or the price. Often, it’s the belief that their payment will be smooth, secure, and seamless, and for businesses here in the UAE, the stakes are high.

Every transaction carries the weight of a customer’s trust and the promise of convenience.

However, not all gateways are created equal.

Why does it matter if your gateway speaks the language of the land, and understands the UAE’s market, its regulations, and its people? Because the difference between a sale and an abandoned user often depends on that connection.

In this blog, we discuss the top 13 payment gateways in the UAE and what each offers for your business to thrive.

Top 13 Payment Gateways in the UAE

The following are some of the best payment gateways you can currently find in the UAE: 

1. Telr

Key Features: Telr supports multiple currencies, fraud detection, invoicing tools, and direct Shopify integration and also provides payment links that don’t require a website for businesses without online stores.

Pricing Plans:

• Starter: AED 349/month per transaction.
• Pro: AED 99/month (limited offer) + 2.49% + AED 0.50 with lower transaction fees.

Advantages: Telr offers localized, multi-lingual customer support for a smooth onboarding process and instant merchant account setup. It’s designed to simplify online payment processes for new businesses.

Best For: Startups and SMEs stepping into online sales for the first time will find Telr user-friendly and efficient.

2. PayTabs

Key Features: PayTabs includes API integration for flexibility, subscription billing, a mobile app, and real-time payment tracking. It supports both online and in-store payment options that caters to diverse business needs.

Pricing Plans:

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

Advantages: It simplifies the checkout experience to improve conversion rates. With strong regional banking ties, settlement delays are minimized making it a reliable payment solution.

Best For: Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and subscription-based services looking for affordable and flexible payment options.

3. Network International

Key Features: Network International provides integrated POS systems, e-commerce solutions, and real-time payment insights. It also supports contactless payments and loyalty programs to help businesses retain customers.

Pricing Plans: Pricing is based on transaction volume and requires consultation.

Advantages: A long-standing presence in the UAE market ensures trust and reliability. The platform includes tools for managing customer loyalty programs to enhance customer retention.

Best For: Retailers, hotels, and restaurants in need of reliable, localized payment and loyalty management systems.

4. Checkout.com

Key Features: This gateway offers enterprise-level fraud management, adaptive authentication, and extensive currency support. Its developer-focused APIs allow customization to meet business needs.

Pricing Plans: Quotes are provided based on business size and type.

Advantages: Checkout.com is scalable for growing businesses and combines local and international payment solutions on a unified platform.

Best For: Corporations with high transaction volumes or those expanding into international markets.

5. Stripe

Key Features: Stripe features developer-friendly APIs, advanced billing models like usage-based pricing, and integration with hundreds of apps that make it highly adaptable for technical businesses.

Pricing Plans:

• Local Payments: 2.9% + AED 1 per transaction.
• International Payments: 1% Additional fees for foreign cards.

Advantages: Transparent pricing with no hidden fees and regular updates to maintain cutting-edge functionality.

Best For: Tech-driven startups, SaaS businesses, and organizations who require customized payment solutions.

Read More: How to Integrate Stripe into Your Website

6. Amazon Payment Services (APS)

Key Features: APS offers fraud prevention powered by machine learning, tokenized card storage for repeat customers, and installment payment options.

Pricing Plans: There are no monthly or termination fees for Amazon Pay.

Advantages: Backed by Amazon, it ensures reliability, fast transactions, and smooth integration with e-commerce platforms.

Best For: E-commerce platforms are in need of a trusted and recognizable payment gateway.

7. CCAvenue

Key Features: CCAvenue supports multi-language payment pages, EMI options, currency conversion, and over 200 payment methods for international customers.

Pricing Plans: AED 200 one-time setup fee + 3% per transaction.

Advantages: The gateway simplifies EMI integration to increase conversions for high-value purchases. Its currency conversion is ideal for businesses with global customers.

Best For: Businesses catering to diverse demographics, such as those in the travel and education sectors.

8. Adyen

Key Features: Adyen provides a unified platform for POS, e-commerce, and mobile payments, along with revenue acceleration tools and advanced data analytics.

Pricing Plans: Rates are offered based on industry and transaction specifics.

Advantages: Adyen enables businesses to sync online and offline payments seamlessly, with real-time analytics to support informed decisions.

Best For: Enterprises seeking omnichannel solutions and global scalability.

9. PayPal

Key Features: PayPal provides instant checkout for account holders, buyer and seller protection, and user-friendly invoicing tools.

Pricing Plans: It’s free to open a PayPal account and buy something using PayPal unless it involves a currency conversion. 

Advantages: Globally recognized and trusted, PayPal has no setup or monthly fees which makes it accessible for small-scale operations.

Best For: Freelancers, small business owners, and international transactions.

10. HyperPay

Key Features: HyperPay ensures fast checkouts, advanced security compliance (PCI DSS), and localized payment options for MENA markets.

Pricing Plans: Quotes based on business volume and needs.

Advantages: Specifically designed for the Middle East to offer flexible APIs for seamless integration.

Best For: Businesses targeting customers in the UAE and GCC countries.

11. 2Checkout (Verifone)

Key Features: 2Checkout simplifies payments with features like streamlined checkouts, subscription management tools, and fraud protection.

Pricing Plans: 3.5% + $0.35 per transaction, with volume discounts available.

Advantages: Its ease of use and trusted name make it a go-to for recurring billing and global transactions.

Best For: SaaS businesses and digital product sellers with international audiences.

12. Payfort (Amazon)

Key Features: Payfort offers installment payments, robust fraud management, real-time tracking, and detailed customer insights.

Pricing Plans: Rates are offered based on industry and transaction specifics.

Advantages: For the Middle East, it handles high transaction volumes with in-depth analytics.

Best For: Businesses looking for reliable payment systems with tracking and reporting.

13. Mashreq Pay

Key Features: Mashreq Pay integrates with Mashreq accounts, providing recurring billing and customizable payment pages.

Pricing Plans: Quoted based on business requirements and negotiable for existing Mashreq clients.

Advantages: Fast settlement times and localized expertise from one of UAE’s leading banks.

Best For: UAE-based businesses, especially those already banking with Mashreq.

Why Having a Local Payment Gateway Matters in the UAE?

Here are some reasons why you need to opt for a local payment gateway in the UAE include:

1. Familiarity Builds Trust

The experience of paying for something online while feeling unsure if your information is safe is eliminated by a local payment gateway. With Arabic language options and a design that matches local expectations, it feels like it was made for them, not foreign.

2. Currency Compatibility with the Dirham

No one wants surprise fees or confusing currency conversions at checkout. A local gateway handles the dirham and ensures your customers pay exactly what they expect without second-guessing the process.

3. Regulatory Compliance and Business Protection

Regulations in the UAE aren’t something to take lightly. Local gateways are built with these rules in mind to keep your business aligned with legal standards and give your customers peace of mind that their transactions are secure.

4. Pay Like a Local

Not everyone in the UAE uses international credit cards. Some prefer payment links, while others lean toward Buy Now, Pay Later options. A local gateway knows these preferences and ensures you’re offering methods your customers actually want.

5. Creating a Homegrown Experience

Shopping shouldn’t feel like a journey through unfamiliar territory. A local gateway makes the entire process feel native, comfortable, and built for the UAE market, turning casual shoppers into loyal customers.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Payment Gateway

A few factors you need to consider before choosing a payment gateway in the UAE are:

1. Integration Simplicity

A payment gateway that works with your existing system saves time and frustration whether it’s plug-and-play or API-driven, the less hassle, the better.

2. Hidden Costs vs. Transparency

Transaction fees are inevitable, but surprises shouldn’t be. Look for gateways that are upfront about setup fees, processing charges, and any extras.

3. Payment Flexibility

Credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers all show that your audience is diverse. A versatile gateway keeps everyone happy and reduces cart abandonment.

4. Data Security Comes First

Customers want to feel safe and for that reason, Encryption, fraud prevention tools, and compliance with security standards should be non-negotiable.

5. Currency Relevance

If your customers deal in multiple currencies or even just dirhams, make sure your gateway is equipped to handle them without a hitch.

6. Rules and Regulations

Every region has its own financial laws. Your gateway should know the playbook, especially in places like the UAE.

7. Support When You Need It

When payments glitch (and they do), quick and effective support can save the day. A gateway with reliable help on standby keeps you covered.

8. Scaling for the Future

As your business grows, so should your gateway’s capabilities. Ensure it’s ready to handle larger volumes or add features as needed.

9. Fast Payouts Matter

Waiting forever to access your funds can choke your cash flow. Quick settlements keep your business running.

10. Make It Easy for Customers

Checkout shouldn’t feel like a chore. A simple, intuitive process keeps your customers coming back. Is anything overly complex? That’s a deal-breaker.

Conclusion

Choose a gateway that aligns with your business values, anticipates your customers’ needs, and prepares you for growth you haven’t even imagined yet.

The best payment gateway in the UAE is the one that grows with you, adapts to your challenges, and makes every checkout effortless.

Don’t let your payment gateway be the reason your customers hesitate. Let it be the reason they return. 

If you are unsure about which payment gateway in the UAE to choose, we (ScaleupAlly) can discuss your business with you and help you choose the perfect one. However, if you have made up your mind on a payment gateway already, we can help you integrate it into your website. Connect with us today to discuss!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best payment gateway in the UAE?

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Popular options like Telr, PayTabs, and Network International excel for SMEs, while Stripe and Adyen are great for large scale businesses needing advanced features.

Q: What documentation is required to set up a payment gateway in the UAE?

You’ll typically need a trade licence, bank account details, Emirates ID, VAT certificate, and a website meeting compliance standards. Additional requirements may vary depending on the payment gateway provider.