Market guide · Middle East
Selling in United Arab Emirates
The UAE has a young, mobile-first population with high card and wallet use. Cash on delivery has declined but is still offered by many local retailers.
| Currency | UAE dirham (AED) |
|---|---|
| Languages | Arabic, English |
| Region | Middle East |
| Local acquiring | Available |
| Settlement | T+2 |
| Payout rail | Aani / UAEFTS · Seconds to same day |
| Import consumption tax | VAT · 5% |
Popular payment methods
Share of online payments by method. Illustrative figures.
| Visa, Mastercard, Amex | 58% (58% of online payments) |
|---|---|
| Apple Pay | 15% (15% of online payments) |
| Tabby | 9% (9% of online payments) |
| Google Pay | 6% (6% of online payments) |
How to launch in United Arab Emirates
- 1Open a sandbox accountTest every flow for United Arab Emirates with test cards and methods before you sign anything.
- 2Turn on local methodsStart with Apple Pay, Tabby, Google Pay.
- 3Process domesticallyDomestic processing in United Arab Emirates avoids cross-border fees and lifts approval rates.
- 4Settle in AEDHold AED and convert when you choose, or pay out locally.
- 5Show duty-inclusive pricesQuote VAT and duties at checkout so nothing is due on delivery.
- 6Go liveVerify your business, switch your keys and watch the first orders arrive.
Duties and import tax
VAT at 5% applies to most imported goods.
Thresholds: Goods under AED 1,000 generally clear without duty
Estimate landed cost for an orderRegulatory notes
- The Central Bank of the UAE licenses payment service providers and stored value facilities.
- Prices shown to consumers should include VAT.
Placeholder notes for the prototype, not legal advice.
Customer story nearby
Kestrel Air
Travel & Hospitality
−38%
FX cost on supplier payments · Illustrative
Virtual cards in the supplier's currency removed a whole reconciliation step for our finance team.
Omar Haddad, VP Finance Read the story: Kestrel Air
Other markets in Middle East
Launch in United Arab Emirates
Try the United Arab Emirates flow in the sandbox, or talk to us about your rollout.