Apple Launches Tap to Pay on iPhone in the United Arab Emirates

Apple has announced the launch of Tap to Pay on iPhone in the United Arab Emirates. The feature enables merchants to use iPhone to accept in-person, contactless payments.

In collaboration with payment platforms, app developers, and payment networks, Tap to Pay on iPhone makes it easy for businesses of any size to accept payments from contactless credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets using only their iPhone and a partner-enabled iOS app — no additional hardware or payment terminal required.

With Tap to Pay on iPhone, merchants can accept contactless payments through a supporting iOS app on an iPhone Xs or later running the latest iOS version. At checkout, the merchant prompts the customer to hold their contactless credit or debit card, iPhone or Apple Watch, or other digital wallet near the merchant's iPhone, and the payment is securely completed using NFC technology. No additional hardware is needed, so merchants can accept payments from wherever they do business.


Payment platforms and app developers can integrate Tap to Pay on iPhone into their iOS apps, making it easy for merchants to enable this secure and convenient capability.

Starting today, Adyen, Magnati, and Network International are the first payment platforms in the UAE to offer Tap to Pay on iPhone. Tap to Pay on iPhone works with contactless credit and debit cards from leading payment networks, including American Express, Mastercard, and Visa.

All transactions made using Tap to Pay on iPhone are encrypted and processed using the Secure Element, and Apple doesn't know what is being purchased or who is buying it.