Mastercard and noqodi to expand digital payment acceptance across UAE

By Leandra Monteiro

Consumers and businesses in Dubai will soon be able to make seamless and safe contactless payments for select government and private sector services, due to a strategic partnership between Mastercard and noqodi, a FinTech company owned by emaratech Group, part of the Investment Corporation of Dubai.

Noqodi’s digital omnichannel payments, including Tap on Phone, will be powered by Mastercard Payment Gateway Services (MPGS). Enabled by MPGS technology, customers can simply tap their card or device to make payments through a merchant’s phone.

One of the foremost online technologies, payment solutions and consulting companies in the Arab world, noqodi provides fully automated payment services to merchants, promoting a cashless society. Offering its global payment gateway technology for businesses of all sizes, partners and acquirers, Mastercard will become a trusted partner to noqodi, helping to strengthen its payment capabilities.

In 2020, the Government of Dubai formed a Cashless Dubai Working Group to create an action plan to shift all payment transactions in the Emirate to secure and easy-to-use cashless platforms across sectors. Zahi Kallab, General Manager, noqodi, said, “In line with the current cashless economy initiative in the UAE, noqodi is strengthening its partnerships with key global organizations that will boost its position as a leading fintech and payment entity. We are happy to enhance our collaboration with Mastercard and benefit from all the services provided by its payment gateway platform, including Tap on Phone, allowing us to have a seamless and unified customer experience across all our channels.”

Parent company emaratech, which handles over 50,000 transactions a day, automates several administrative processes, including the issuance of visas, residences, national IDs and medical fitness, as well as other services across the UAE. H.E Thani Alzaffin, emaratech Group CEO, said, “It is great to collaborate with Mastercard, who are aligned with us in our mission to create innovative high-tech products and world-class services that impact lives. Through MPGS and Tap-on-Phone we can provide quick, convenient, seamless ways for payments to be made in a safe and secure manner, helping businesses and governments operate more effectively.”

J.K. Khalil, Cluster General Manager, MENA East, Mastercard, said, “We are delighted to sign this strategic partnership with noqodi and deliver our innovative digital payment solutions at a UAE government level as we continue to diversify our offerings across non-traditional segments. In an omni-channel environment where consumers increasingly want more choice to pay the way they want to, Tap on Phone is an innovative, affordable, convenient, and welcome addition to the payment ecosystem. We are working with our fintech, telco, financial institution and government partners to build a robust, connected and inclusive digital ecosystem that benefits everyone.”