Which payment gateways can be used for digital gold app in UAE?

 Here’s a comprehensive, long-form article exploring which payment gateways can be used for a digital gold app in the UAE, covering everything from local options and international players to integration considerations, regulatory context, and strategic recommendations.

Table of Contents

  1. The Unique Needs of a Digital Gold App

  2. Local UAE Payment Gateways

    • Network International

    • Ziina

    • TotalPay

    • PayTabs

    • Telr

    • Hyperpay

    • Tap

  3. Global Payment Gateways Operating in UAE

    • Stripe

    • Checkout.com

    • Amazon Payment Services (formerly Payfort)

    • 2Checkout, Cybersource, Adyen, Authorize.Net

  4. Emerging & Regional Fintech Players

    • Airwallex

    • Rapyd

    • PayU

  5. Comparing the Gateways: Fees, Features, & Integration

  6. Regulatory Landscape in the UAE

  7. Wallets & Facilitators: Role of Ziina

  8. Strategic Recommendations for a Digital Gold App

  9. Conclusion

1. The Unique Needs of a Digital Gold App

A digital gold platform presents distinct requirements compared to typical e-commerce apps:

  • High-value, low-volume transactions: Gold purchases usually involve large sums, mandating reliability and low transaction friction.

  • Price volatility: To protect both users and business risk, instant settlement or fast funding is crucial.

  • Trust & security: Customers must trust the platform unequivocally, especially for valuable assets.

  • Local preferences: Enabling payments via local UAE methods (cards, wallets, QR) enhances accessibility.

  • Regulatory compliance: Adherence to UAE Central Bank rules, currency regulations, and AML/KYC is mandatory.

Selecting the right payment gateway needs to align with these considerations.

2. Local UAE Payment Gateways

Network International

A leading licensed acquirer in the UAE offering the N‑Genius platform with support for e-commerce and POS, anti-fraud tools, multi-currency, payment links, and T+1 settlement. Integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, and custom APIs makes it a solid choice for enterprises.

Ziina

A UAE-based fintech offering a mobile-first digital wallet, payment links, QR codes, and tap-to-phone. Licensed by the UAE Central Bank, it’s ideal for peer-to-peer and business-to-consumer payment flows—no IBAN or SWIFT required.

TotalPay

A local player tailored to SMEs and mid-size businesses, offering over 200 payment methods, QR and mobile wallet support, PCI-DSS compliance, and performance dashboards.

PayTabs

Known for strong fraud prevention and customizable solutions designed specifically for UAE businesses, PayTabs brings security and local expertise to the table.

Telr

Offers tiered pricing plans for startups and SMEs, supports a wide range of payment methods, and is widely used in the UAE.

Hyperpay

A rapidly growing MENA gateway providing direct connections to card networks, split payments, billing, and robust reporting.

Tap

Provides contactless, peer-to-peer, loyalty, and split-payment capabilities, with both free and nominal subscription plans.

3. Global Gateways Operating in the UAE

Stripe

Available in the UAE since 2021 via Network International, Stripe supports 135+ currencies, advanced APIs, subscriptions, fraud tools, and cashier offerings. Settlement typically occurs in 2–4 business days.

Checkout.com

Offers international multi-currency processing, local acquiring in UAE, advanced fraud detection, and seamless e-commerce integration.

Amazon Payment Services (Payfort)

Backed by Amazon, tailored for seamless international transactions, it carries strong brand credibility for digital businesses in the Middle East.

2Checkout, Cybersource, Authorize.Net, Adyen

  • 2Checkout: Supports recurring billing and cross-border payments.

  • Cybersource: A Visa subsidiary offering high-grade fraud and risk management.

  • Authorize.Net: Long-established gateway with invoicing, recurring payments, and transparent fee structure.

  • Adyen: Offers global methods, one-click payments, and seamless integration but higher fees.

4. Emerging & Regional Fintech Players

Airwallex

Valued at $6.2B as of May 2025, Airwallex aims to expand into the UAE, offering international invoice processing and payments.

Rapyd

Provides a global embedded finance platform, enabling businesses to accept, disburse, store, and issue payments around the world.

PayU

Naspers-backed platform available in multiple countries—useful for cross-border merchant operations.

5. Comparing Gateways: Fees, Features & Integration

Gateway Local/Global Key Strengths Challenges
Network International Local Licensed, multi-channel, fast settlement Requires trade license & bank integration
Ziina Local Wallet, QR & P2P focus, seamless UX Less ideal for large-value gold transactions
TotalPay Local Wide payment coverage, simple UX Newer player, lesser-known
PayTabs Local Fraud security, customizable Pricing not publicly transparent
Telr Local Tiered, startup-friendly, widely used Transaction costs may apply
Hyperpay Local Rapid regional growth, technically robust Pricing data limited
Tap Local Feature-rich, low-cost plans Might lack large-scale capabilities
Stripe Global Developer tools, global reach, subscriptions Slightly higher cost, business setup required
Checkout.com Global Full-scale enterprise solution Custom pricing, may require negotiation
Amazon Payment Services Global Brand trust, tailored for Middle East needs Monthly fees + transaction charges
2Checkout, Cybersource, Adyen, etc. Global Specialized features (fraud, recurring, global methods) Complex setup, high thresholds
Airwallex, Rapyd, PayU Global Cross-border strength, emerging multi-currency services Limited live UAE presence

6. Regulatory Landscape in the UAE

The UAE Central Bank mandates licensing for payment gateways and prohibits cryptocurrency payments unless they use licensed Dirham tokens. Thus, any gateway must be fully compliant—local players (e.g., Ziina, Network Intl.) inherently adhere to these regulations.

7. Wallets & Facilitators: Role of Ziina

Ziina offers a compelling local alternative—fast, user-friendly mobile payments using QR, links, and tap-to-phone, with streamlined onboarding and license from the Central Bank. It’s perfect for micro-transactions and peer payments, though may not be suitable for high-value gold purchases due to wallet limits.

8. Strategic Recommendations for a Digital Gold App

  1. Core Gateway: For large-value, multi-currency transactions, use a robust, licensed acquirer like Network International, Stripe, or Checkout.com for reliability and settlement speed.

  2. Local Conversion: Offer Ziina or Telr as payment options for UAE-based users to enhance user comfort and reduce friction.

  3. Mobile UX: Integrate Tap or Hyperpay for mobile-first users, employing QR or tap-to-pay flows with loyalty features.

  4. Cross-border Reach: If targeting international clients, leverage Stripe, Rapyd, or eventually Airwallex for global wallet and compliance infrastructure.

  5. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all chosen gateways comply with UAE Central Bank rules. Avoid crypto payments unless explicitly authorized.

  6. Optimize Costs: Negotiate pricing with providers and analyze fee structures—multipart pricing can significantly lower margins on small margins.

  7. Tech Stack: Prioritize APIs, SDKs, and analytics for smooth integration and monitoring of transaction patterns and fraud.

9. Conclusion

A smart payment stack for a digital gold app in the UAE should blend:

  • A stable licensed acquirer (e.g. Network Intl., Checkout.com, Stripe),

  • Local mobile-friendly options (Ziina, Telr, Tap),

  • Global reach (Rapyd, Airwallex),

  • And full compliance with Central Bank regulations.

This layered strategy ensures a frictionless user experience, effective fraud protection, fast settlement, and adaptability for both local and international markets.

Final Thought

Building trust is vital for a digital gold app. Payments are not just money moves—they're signals. Choose gateways that are secure, smooth, and scalable. Let me know if you’d like to dive deeper into integration patterns, pricing negotiation strategies, or user experience design!

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