What payment gateways are approved in UAE?
Complete guide to CBUAE‑licensed & DIFC‑approved gateways, fees, integration, and VAT‑compliant transactions. Updated 2025.
UAE Payment Gateway Regulations
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) regulates payment gateways via the Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes (RPSCS) Regulation 2021. Providers must obtain a license, maintain AED 2 million minimum capital, implement AML compliance, and have a physical UAE presence. Free zones like DIFC (DFSA) and ADGM (FSRA) oversee PSPs with categories such as Category 3C/4 (capital USD 140k–500k). Non‑compliance risks fines or shutdowns.
All gateways listed below are either CBUAE‑licensed or authorised by a free zone, ensuring secure and legally compliant transactions for businesses in Dubai and beyond.
In addition to federal oversight, the UAE Central Bank regularly publishes updates on licensed payment service providers. Although no exhaustive public list exists, we’ve compiled the most prominent approved gateways based on regulatory announcements and market presence.
Licensed Payment Gateways in UAE
| Gateway | Regulator / Key License | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Telr | CBUAE RPS | Cards, wallets, BNPL; MENA focus |
| PayTabs | CBUAE | Multi‑currency, fraud detection |
| Amazon Payment Services (PayFort) | CBUAE | AWS integration, cards/wallets |
| Paymob | CBUAE RPS | Merchant acquiring, aggregation |
| Network International | CBUAE | POS/online, enterprise |
| Stripe | DIFC / Operational | Global APIs, e‑commerce |
| CCAvenue | Licensed (via partner) | Net banking, UPI |
| Checkout.com | Licensed (DIFC) | Apple/Google Pay, acquiring |
All support Visa, Mastercard, and local schemes like Mada/Apple Pay. Many also offer BNPL and recurring billing.
Comparison of Top Gateways – Fees & Features
| Gateway | Transaction Fees | Payment Methods | Integration Ease | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telr | 0-2.69% + AED 1 | Cards, Apple Pay, Mada | High (APIs, plugins) | SMEs, e‑commerce |
| PayTabs | 2.5-2.9% + AED 1 | 168 currencies, cards | WooCommerce, Shopify | International |
| Stripe | 2.9% + AED 1 (intl) | Cards, wallets | Excellent APIs | Tech startups |
| CCAvenue | AED 1 fixed (popular) | Cards, net banking | Good | Diverse payments |
| Amazon Payment Services | Volume‑based | Cards, Alipay | AWS seamless | Large retailers |
Fees vary by volume; enterprises can negotiate better rates. All offer PCI DSS Level 1 security.
Integration and VAT Compliance
Approved gateways generate FTA‑compliant invoices with 5% VAT auto‑calculation. They provide real‑time reporting for quarterly returns and support popular platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento) via SDKs/APIs. Sharia‑compliant options like Telr suit Islamic finance. For VAT‑registered businesses, gateways simplify reconciliation and audit trails.
Setting Up a Payment Gateway – Step by Step
- Verify license via CBUAE/DIFC portals or ask the provider for their regulatory certificate.
- Sign merchant agreement (KYC, AML checks, trade license, passport copies).
- Integrate via SDK/API (sandbox testing environment).
- Go live after final approval; monitor settlements and chargebacks.
- DIFC/ADGM offer regulatory sandboxes for fintechs.
Fees and Costs Breakdown
| Cost Type | Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction | 1-3% + 0.50-1 | Lower for high volume / negotiated plans |
| Chargeback | 50-200 | Per dispute; avoidable with fraud tools |
| Monthly Fee | 0-500 | Often waived for premium plans |
Hidden costs: currency conversion (2-4%) and cross‑border fees. Always review the fine print.
Security and Fraud Prevention
All CBUAE‑licensed gateways mandate PCI DSS compliance, 3D Secure, and AI‑based fraud detection. The central bank enforces tokenization and end‑to‑end encryption. Look for gateways with real‑time risk monitoring and chargeback protection.
Popular Use Cases
- E‑commerce stores: Telr, Stripe, PayTabs – easy cart integration.
- Retail/POS: Network International, Amazon Payment Services.
- Subscriptions & recurring: PayTabs, Checkout.com.
- International multi‑currency: Stripe, PayTabs.
Emerging Trends 2026
RPS licenses now expand to BNPL and regulated crypto payments. GCC interoperability grows, but no full passporting yet. Expect wider adoption of open banking and real‑time settlement. Returns & refunds accounting will also be affected by faster payment flows.
Choosing the Right Gateway – SMEs vs Enterprises
| Factor | Priority for SMEs | Priority for Enterprises |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Low entry, transparent | Negotiable volume discounts |
| Local Methods | Mada, COD, Apple Pay | Multi‑currency, global schemes |
| Support | 24/7 Arabic, chat | Dedicated account manager |
Test demos and consider total cost of ownership (TCO), not just transaction fees.
Case Study: Dubai E‑commerce Store
A Dubai retailer integrated Telr: 20% cart uplift, 2.5% fees on AED 500k/month, VAT auto‑filed via gateway reports. Saved 15 hours/month compared to manual reconciliation. They also reduced chargebacks with 3DS.
Role of One Desk Solution
One Desk Solution, Dubai’s top VAT, tax, bookkeeping, and audit provider, helps you integrate approved gateways with your accounting stack. We ensure seamless VAT reconciliation, FTA‑compliant invoices, and real‑time financial visibility. Our experts guide you from selection to go‑live. Explore our services →
