Network International, the digital commerce enabler across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, is now offering WeChat Pay acceptance on POS terminals throughout the UAE, to enable Chinese visitors to transact more easily and securely via their WeChat Pay mobile wallet.
Across the UAE, 5,000 Network International payment terminals currently accept WeChat Pay; including in over 400 outlets at prominent malls within Dubai – forming part of Network’s extensive merchant partner ecosystem. The digital commerce enabler is now in the process of activating WeChat Pay in all its Android-powered terminals.
Network International has decided to accept WeChat Pay on its POS terminals to add to its current list of propositions available to merchant partners – to meet the needs of a greater number of customers. Network International utilised its existing long-term partnership with the official developer of WeChat, Tencent Holdings Limited, to make the move possible.
The UAE’s tourism sector has made a strong comeback putting the country on track to become the world’s most-visited international destination by the end of 2023. Data from Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) indicates that the number of Chinese visitors to Dubai reached 177,000 in 2022, a 131 per cent rise since 2021.
Network boasts over 200,000 POS terminals across thousands of merchants spread over sectors including high-end retail, hospitality, transport and supermarkets among others, that will benefit from the additional acceptance method.
The digital commerce enables explained that it believes WeChat Pay offers immense opportunities for the UAE’s retail and hospitality sectors – amidst a resurgence of Chinese visitors.
Boosting the UAE’s payment ecosystem
Pankaj Kundra, group head of products, partnerships and enterprises at Network International, said: “The UAE is among the top travel destinations for Chinese visitors and the availability of a trusted and familiar payment option at popular shopping establishments will enable Chinese shoppers to make payments seamlessly. Network has enabled WeChat Pay at over 5,000 terminals across the UAE and we look forward to covering our entire network soon.
“This partnership also aligns with Network’s commitment to boost the UAE’s payment ecosystem by making new payment methods available to UAE merchants through collaborations with prominent international businesses.”
Jeff Hu, general manager at WeChat Pay EMEA, also commented: “WeChat Pay has always been committed to providing safe and convenient payment experiences for Chinese tourists.
“This collaboration further expands the application of mobile payments in the UAE, allowing Chinese tourists to enjoy the same convenient mobile payment experience as in China when travelling to the UAE.”
