Guide to UAE Mobile Payments & Digital Wallets

The Rise of Mobile Payments in the UAE

The UAE’s mobile payments ecosystem has exploded by 2025, driven by a cashless ambition and tech-savvy consumers. In 2024, the UAE’s mobile wallet market was already valued at USD 4.18 billion and is projected to nearly double to USD 8.28 billion by 2030.

This surge reflects widespread smartphone penetration and government initiatives: for example, the Central Bank’s Instant Payment Platform (IPP) saw transaction volumes rise from 2.4 million in 2019 to 64 million by 2023, and values from AED 6 billion to AED 160 billion.

UAE residents embrace digital wallets for convenience and security: popular homegrown wallets like Payit, Klip, and e& money already have millions of users. With contactless payments accepted at over 80% of UAE merchants and 87% of consumers comfortable with fingerprint or facial authentication, mobile wallet usage is ubiquitous.

For fintech developers and businesses, this means in-app payment integration is now table stakes. Experts advise that any new UAE fintech app should integrate mobile wallet or payment gateway support to enable instant, frictionless transactions.

The UAE’s shift to a cashless society means millions of consumers now pay with mobile wallets and contactless apps. This secures purchases (via biometrics) and often speeds up checkout, boosting conversions.

Top UAE Mobile Wallet Platforms in 2025

In this guide, we compare four major digital payment platforms shaping the UAE market in 2025: YAP, ePay (ePay.me), PayBy, and Emirates NBD’s digital wallet solutions.

Each offers distinct features aimed at boosting app sales and engagement. We’ll break down their user experience, security measures, fee structures, merchant acceptance, integration capabilities, and loyalty programs to help app developers choose the right payment partner.

YAP (FinTech Neobank)

User Experience

YAP is an independent, RAKBANK-backed digital banking app that doubles as a mobile wallet. It provides users with a free IBAN account and Mastercard debit card, accessible via a slick mobile interface.

Account opening is done in minutes via phone number and facial ID, with no minimum balance or hidden fees. The dashboard displays all transactions, spending categories, bills, and receipts in one place.

Users can create multiple virtual cards with unique CVVs for secure online shopping, and easily freeze or limit any card on demand. Bill payment and P2P transfers (even international) are built in, with real-time notifications for every transaction.

Overall, YAP’s UX is smooth and modern, with budgeting analytics that keep users engaged in their finances.

Security

YAP emphasizes card security. Virtual cards have one-time CVVs and expiry dates to prevent fraud. The app uses two-factor authentication and allows users to freeze or block cards instantly. Real-time push alerts keep users aware of every charge, and YAP’s infrastructure is RAKBANK-backed and CBUAE-regulated.

Fees

YAP’s fee structure is consumer-friendly. There are no maintenance or monthly fees, and ATM withdrawals with the YAP card incur no extra charges. Users also enjoy mid-market FX rates on multi-currency transactions.

The only fee noted is a small charge on incoming foreign-currency transfers. In practice, most everyday payments and transfers via YAP are fee-free, boosting usage.

Merchant Acceptance

Since YAP issues a Mastercard debit card, it is accepted anywhere Mastercard is. Dubai shops, online retailers, and ATMs across the world accept YAP cards. The payment experience is identical to using any debit card on point-of-sale or online. (Note: YAP itself does not operate POS terminals.)

YAP also supports billers and utility payments in-app.

Integration

YAP’s IBAN account connects with other banking rails. It integrates with the UAE’s payment networks for local and international transfers. It does not yet offer third-party API integration, but its partnership model (with RAKBANK) means it can leverage standard banking infrastructure.

Loyalty Rewards

YAP is primarily a banking app with budgeting tools. It does not have its own cashback or rewards program, but its simple fee structure and analytics encourage repeat use. (Youth and household account versions exist, though these are about family money management rather than rewards.)

ePay (ePay.me)

ePay.me is a Dubai-based fintech (founded 2018) that began as a payment aggregator and gateway. Today it presents itself as a “next-gen digital wallet” combining payment services with cryptocurrency on/off ramps.

While its core focus is B2B (brokers and eCommerce), it does have a consumer wallet element.

User Experience

ePay.me advertises an integrated platform: users can manage money, make retail/online purchases, and on-ramp/off-ramp crypto from the same app.

The mobile interface supports multi-currency balances and fast transfers. Unlike some UAE wallets, ePay.me is global in scope – it caters to expats and international businesses as much as locals.

Onboarding is digital, and the app offers real-time settlement and transaction tracking for both users and merchants.

Security

The company emphasizes “military-grade” security and compliance. Its platform reportedly has 24/7 monitoring, PCI-DSS certification, and full regulatory compliance. Authentication includes PIN and possibly biometrics (via device).

ePay.me’s global payment gateway uses tokenization and encryption. In short, ePay markets itself on robust security and anti-fraud protections.

Fees

Public details on ePay fees are scarce. As a payment gateway, it likely charges transaction fees to merchants. For consumers, P2P and wallet transactions may incur standard service fees.

Its press materials hint at “competitive spreads” in forex and low-cost transfers. For everyday purchases, the wallet side probably feels low-cost, though international transfers can carry exchange spreads.

Merchant Acceptance

ePay.me’s strength is in integrations with merchants and brokers. It offers a merchant portal and (in some markets) a merchant app. Merchants using ePay can accept credit cards, bank transfers, and digital currencies.

In the UAE, ePay.me competes with other PSPs by covering global and crypto payments, making it attractive to online businesses targeting overseas customers.

Integration

ePay.me prides itself on being an all-in-one financial ecosystem. It integrates not only payment rails but also CRM and liquidity (for brokers).

For an app developer, this means ePay’s API can be used for everything from accepting payments in multiple currencies to pulling transaction data. It’s also compatible with UAE infrastructure like the Central Bank’s systems and SWIFT.

Loyalty Rewards

ePay.me does not currently run a consumer-facing rewards program. Its focus is on payment utility and crypto flexibility. (However, merchants using ePay can implement their own loyalty schemes through the platform.)

PayBy (Astra Tech Fintech)

PayBy is a UAE fintech arm of Astra Tech (which also owns the Botim messaging app). It provides a suite of payment solutions geared toward merchants and consumers. The company has recently rolled out an innovative POS terminal that directly generates QR codes and payment links.

User Experience

PayBy focuses on seamless checkout for both merchants and shoppers. Consumers can pay via QR code scanning or by having merchants initiate a payment link.

The new PayBy POS terminal allows merchants to generate a QR or link on the fly. For mobile app integration, PayBy also offers SDKs so developers can accept PayBy payments inside their apps.

Security

PayBy’s system uses tokenization and real-time settlement. The POS supports NFC and integrates with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, inheriting their biometric security.

PayBy’s single-terminal solution enhances security by eliminating card skimming and manual entry.

Fees

As a merchant acquirer, PayBy charges fees to businesses – typically a percentage per transaction. Exact rates aren’t public, but they are competitive with other acquirers.

For consumers, paying with PayBy (via BOTIM) is free. In fact, PayBy often waives fees to encourage QR use.

Merchant Acceptance

PayBy excels at merchant adoption. It claims to be the only UAE acquirer that lets merchants generate payment links and QR codes directly from the POS terminal.

This means thousands of UAE stores (retail, F&B, salons, etc.) can quickly accept digital payments without extra hardware.

PayBy’s coverage is broad and growing: it accepts local debit/credit cards, and through its POS also Alipay+, WeChat Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and even the in-house Botim wallet.

Integration

PayBy integrates deeply with the Astra Ultra super-app ecosystem (via BOTIM). It provides APIs and SDKs for developers to include PayBy checkout flows.

Recently, PayBy launched a Visa Commercial Pay Mobile solution for business expense management. Integration options include e-commerce plugins, mobile SDKs, and POS link-ups.

Loyalty Rewards

PayBy itself doesn’t offer consumer loyalty points but encourages merchants to create incentives (e.g. discounts or points) around QR usage.

One example is the inclusion of the Skywards loyalty program for Emirates NBD card payments via PayBy terminals. Over time, PayBy aims to enable loyalty features directly (via Astra Ultra app).

Emirates NBD Digital Wallets

As one of the UAE’s largest banks, Emirates NBD’s “digital wallet” presence is actually an ecosystem of offerings tied to its banking platform.

User Experience

Emirates NBD customers interact via the ENBD X app, which lets them manage accounts, credit cards, and transfers.

Within the app they can pay bills, send money to contacts, and use QR code transfers. ENBD also enables its cards to be added to Apple, Samsung, or Google Wallet for tap-to-pay globally.

Corporate clients have ENBD Visa Commercial Pay Mobile for expense management, while consumers use FastPay for mobile-to-mobile transfers up to AED 4,000/day.

Security

Emirates NBD applies bank-grade security and tokenization. Contactless payments use device biometrics and tokenized card numbers.

FastPay uses a PIN-based collection with time-bound expiry, and ENBD X requires login PIN or biometrics. The bank meets PCI compliance and encryption standards.

Fees

Many Emirates NBD wallet features are free for users. Enrolling cards in Apple/Samsung/Google Pay has no fee. FastPay transfers are free, while standard interbank transfers apply regular fees.

From a consumer view, using ENBD’s mobile wallets is cost-free, encouraging usage and loyalty.

Merchant Acceptance

Emirates NBD’s cards are accepted everywhere that supports tap payments. The bank also promotes its own QR payments within apps.

ENBD is not a direct acquirer like PayBy but remains the issuer for millions of UAE consumers, making its mobile payment ecosystem nearly universal.

Integration

ENBD X integrates with loyalty programs like LuLu Points and Skywards Miles. It also links with the UAE Instant Payment Platform for seamless P2P transfers.

Developers can use ENBD APIs for embedding banking functions or corporate payments into their apps.

Loyalty Rewards

ENBD’s credit and debit cards earn rewards like cashback and Skywards miles, which remain active when used through digital wallets.

The bank also runs its own ENBD Rewards program and frequent promotions.

Feature Comparison Table

Driving App Conversions & User Engagement

Integrating mobile payment options doesn’t just reduce checkout friction – it actively boosts engagement and conversions.

In the UAE’s digital market, users expect “one-click” or tap-to-pay in every app. Research shows that each extra step in checkout causes user drop-off, so embedding wallets like those above significantly raises completion rates.

Key Conversion Drivers

• Instant Checkout: Stored credentials and biometric authentication enable tap-to-pay convenience.

• High Security = Trust: Secure methods increase buyer confidence and reduce cart abandonment.

• Cross-App Stickiness: Frequent in-app payments increase retention and familiarity.

• Data & Personalization: Wallet analytics can inform smarter engagement campaigns.

Why ApplifyLab is Your Ideal Partner for UAE Mobile Payment Integrations

At ApplifyLab, we understand the unique payment infrastructure and consumer expectations of the UAE market. Whether you're building a fintech app, e-commerce platform, or subscription service, our team delivers mobile payment workflows that align with the region’s high standards for speed, convenience, and security.

End-to-End Payment Expertise

From consulting on wallet strategy (YAP, ePay.me, PayBy, Emirate NBD) to building SDK integrations, ApplifyLab handles:

• Payment gateway selection and integration

• Mobile wallet SDKs and API-connectivity (including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)

• QR/Link-based checkout flows optimized for UAE users

• Security and compliance (tokenization, biometric auth, PCI-DSS readiness)

• Conversion-first UX design: minimal steps, fast authentication, seamless checkout

Localised Advantage

Our consultants leverage deep insight into UAE consumer behaviour — such as preference for biometrics, Arabic/English dual-language experience, and high expectations for instant transactions. By partnering with us, your app isn’t just compliant; it’s tuned to engage UAE customers meaningfully.

Performance & Retention

Because mobile payments impact not just checkout success but long-term retention, we build analytics dashboards to track payment methods, conversion drop-offs, user demographics, and loyalty uptake. These insights help you iterate and grow, not just launch.

Ready for Scale

With ApplifyLab’s scalable micro-services architecture, your payment infrastructure is built for growth — handling surges, new wallet offerings, and cross-border currency flows without disruption.

Common Questions About UAE’s Cashless Payment Ecosystem

1. What are the most popular mobile wallets in the UAE in 2025?

The UAE’s top digital wallets include YAP, ePay.me, PayBy, and Emirates NBD’s digital wallet ecosystem. Each offers unique features like QR-based payments, crypto compatibility, and instant fund transfers to support the country’s cashless goals.

2. Why are mobile payments growing so fast in the UAE?

High smartphone penetration, government-backed digital transformation, and a strong fintech ecosystem have accelerated mobile wallet adoption. UAE consumers prefer biometric and contactless payments for convenience and security.

3. Which mobile wallet is best for app integration?

It depends on your use case:

• YAP is ideal for neobank or budgeting apps.

• ePay.me suits global and crypto-enabled apps.

• PayBy excels for QR-based merchant transactions.

• Emirates NBD is best for apps aligned with traditional banking ecosystems.

4. How does ApplifyLab help businesses integrate UAE payment systems?

ApplifyLab specializes in fintech app development, integrating APIs and SDKs for wallets like YAP, PayBy, and ePay.me. They ensure PCI-DSS compliance, tokenization, and smooth user experiences to help UAE-based apps meet both performance and security standards.

5. Are UAE digital wallets secure?

Yes. All major UAE wallets use encryption, tokenization, and biometric authentication. Many are backed by licensed banks and meet the Central Bank of UAE’s regulatory standards for data protection.