UAE-based Payby merchant network has entered into a deal that allows them to accept six partner e-wallets from Alipay+. This new arrangement is specifically aimed at tourists from China, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and Italy. Astra Tech, based in Dubai, is one of the first companies in the region to launch Alipay solutions. They already operate the Payby and Botim platforms.
Abdallah Abu Sheikh, co-founder of Astra Tech and CEO of Botim, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with Alipay+. He stated, “Our milestone collaboration with Alipay+ aligns perfectly with the UAE’s commitment to enhancing the payment ecosystem and fostering a commerce-friendly environment.” Abu Sheikh also emphasized the company’s dedication to providing accessible payment solutions globally.
The settlement processes and mobile-based transactions for Alipay+ can be carried out in physical stores or online platforms. The in-store payment process is simplified through additional options, such as scanning the QR code at the cashier and confirming the transaction. Alternatively, merchants can scan the payment QR codes presented by customers on their mobile phones. This eliminates the need for exchanging currencies, withdrawing cash, and overcoming language barriers.
Guoming Cheng, General Manager of Ant Group in Europe and the Middle East, highlighted the global outreach of Alipay+ and the versatile solutions provided by the partnership with PayBy. This collaboration is expected to benefit the region significantly.
Increasing tourist numbers from China and Southeast Asia is a key focus for the UAE. The sector has seen recent growth, and Dubai Tourism recorded 8.55 million visitors between January and June this year. Third-party estimates suggest that overall tourist arrivals in the UAE could increase by 4.4 million annually.
The UAE’s partnership with Alipay+ and the acceptance of its partner e-wallets by the Payby merchant network will further enhance the country’s position as an attractive destination for international tourists. This move aligns with the UAE’s commitment to providing a seamless payment experience and supporting the growth of its tourism sector.
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