Partner content
The digital payments landscape in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is undergoing a major transformation, fundamentally altering the way businesses and consumers manage transactions.
What was once a predominantly cash-based region is now rapidly adopting fast, convenient and secure digital solutions. Whether it’s paying for groceries, booking a ride, or making larger purchases like jewellery, people across the region are increasingly turning to card payments and mobile wallets, driven by fintech innovation and strong government support for cashless economies.
According to Mastercard’s 2022 study, 85% of consumers in the MENA region have used at least one emerging payment method in the past year. These include biometric payments, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) schemes and mobile wallets, reflecting a notable shift towards more flexible and innovative payment solutions.
As the MENA region embraces this rapid shift towards digital payments, companies like Network International are playing a crucial role in driving this transformation. Network International, one of the largest acquirers in the region, has positioned itself as a key player in shaping the future of digital commerce. By offering advanced solutions—ranging from payment processing to data analytics and fraud prevention—the company is helping businesses keep pace with the ever-evolving payments landscape.
Their collaborations with government bodies, such as the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), and involvement in initiatives like Jaywan and Aani, exemplify how they are leading the push towards a cashless economy. These efforts go beyond simple payment processing, focusing on delivering seamless, secure and innovative experiences for both merchants and consumers.
We spoke with Jamal Al Nassai, Group Managing Director for Merchant Services at Network International, to explore how the company is driving innovation across the MENA region, reshaping payments, business operations and consumer experiences in the digital commerce space.
“Our recent milestones have been significant in enhancing the digital payments ecosystem,” Al Nassai shared. “We’ve been an integral part of the Jaywan and Aani launches, which are crucial collaborations with the UAE government.” These initiatives demonstrate the company’s efforts to further its presence in the UAE, solidifying its status as one of the largest acquirers in the region and a key enabler of digital commerce.
Beyond these government collaborations, Network International has introduced several cutting-edge solutions tailored to the needs of merchants. “Our Web API solution offers wireless integration functionality, empowering merchants to facilitate transactions via APIs directly on our network POS devices,” he explained, adding that their value-added services, such as data analytics and advisory solutions, provide merchants with real-time insights, allowing them to make data-driven decisions. These solutions also enable merchants to offer faster transaction times, multiple payment options and enhanced security, ensuring an enriched customer experience.
“The focus today is on delivering fast, convenient and secure payment experiences.”
Jamal Al Nassai of Network International
Continuing, he mentioned that Network International’s impact extends far beyond the UAE, with significant advancements in other regional markets. “In Jordan, we’ve launched a hospitality payment solution that’s specifically designed for the tourism and hospitality sectors,” Al Nassai said. This solution has simplified the payment process for businesses in the sector, streamlining operations and enhancing customer experiences.
“In Egypt, we’ve introduced the BNPL model,” he continued, “which empowers merchants to offer flexible payment options that drive sales and enhance customer satisfaction.” These innovations reflect Network International’s commitment to expanding its influence and strengthening the digital payments infrastructure across the MENA region.
Driving the UAE’s digital economy
A critical component of Network International’s success lies in its collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE and Al Etihad Payments. Al Nassai emphasised the importance of this partnership, noting that Network International was one of the first acquirers to activate both Jaywan and Aani with merchants. “It’s a privilege to partner with the Central Bank and Al Etihad Payments to drive the UAE towards a less cash-dependent economy,” he said.
Jaywan, the UAE’s domestic card scheme, is designed to boost card-based transactions and advance the country’s agenda for financial inclusion and efficiency. “On the other hand, Aani is driving real-time payments, significantly improving transaction speed, security and customer experiences,” he added. These initiatives align with the broader goals of the UAE’s digital economy vision by enhancing financial inclusion and setting new standards for security and efficiency in digital payments.
These efforts are integral to the UAE’s ambition of establishing itself as a global hub for the digital economy. According to Al Nassai, “Jaywan and Aani are not just about improving payment processes—they’re part of the UAE’s larger vision of fostering economic diversification and driving innovation in the payments sector.”
Network International’s role as a 360-degree payment solutions provider has enabled it to support the entire digital payments value chain. “We’re stimulating investment in digital sectors, supporting SMEs and integrating businesses, banks, government entities and fintechs into a cohesive digital payments ecosystem,” Al Nassai explained.
Adapting to an evolving landscape
In the face of an evolving digital payments landscape, Network International has made strategic adjustments to its merchant services. “Our vision is to empower businesses with the latest payment technologies,” Al Nassai stated. The company’s digital payments platform offers a comprehensive suite of hardware and software solutions that allow merchants to implement innovative products such as loyalty programmes, instalment payment options and advanced fraud management tools.
“Our solutions are designed to drive revenue and profitability for our merchants,” he added, highlighting that these services are not just about processing payments but creating value for businesses through enhanced customer experiences. As the landscape continues to shift, Network International remains committed to staying ahead of trends and maintaining its leadership position through constant innovation.
While the opportunities for growth in the digital payments space are vast, there are challenges that acquirers in the UAE must navigate. “The payments landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements and evolving customer needs,” Al Nassai said. Acquirers must invest in infrastructure, develop sector-specific expertise and continuously innovate to stay ahead.
He also stressed the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital world. “In a hyper-digital world, cybersecurity and fraud prevention are critical challenges,” he explained. Network International addresses these concerns by delivering best-in-class fraud prevention and management solutions, leveraging technologies such as AI to protect the financial ecosystem. “We are also PCI DSS Version 4.0 certified, which is the highest global security standard for compliance and security established by the PCI Security Standards Council,” he emphasised.
Capitalising on emerging trends
According to Al Nassai, several emerging trends are reshaping the digital payments industry, and Network International is strategically positioned to capitalise on them. “The focus today is on delivering fast, convenient and secure payment experiences,” he noted, pointing out that mobile and digital wallets are gaining popularity and driving convenience in how people pay. “We’re expanding our support for these solutions to ensure seamless integration and a smooth user experience,” he added.
Other trends include real-time payments and the growing popularity of the BNPL model, both of which are gaining traction in the region. Additionally, cryptocurrencies and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are beginning to reshape the financial landscape. Al Nassai highlighted the company’s efforts to integrate biometric payment solutions, further enhancing security and user convenience. “These trends point to a growing consumer appetite for frictionless payment experiences, and we are at the forefront of meeting that demand,” he said.
Beyond enhancing the payments ecosystem, Network International’s digital payment technologies are contributing to economic diversification across the MENA region. “Our solutions cater to a wide range of sectors, from retail to hospitality and travel, empowering businesses with innovative, accessible and affordable payment options,” he explained. These solutions are helping to foster entrepreneurship, stimulate innovation and enable new business models to thrive.
The company is also playing a critical role in facilitating cross-border trade and opening new markets for regional businesses. “By supporting financial inclusion strategies and fostering digital payments in the markets we operate in, we’re contributing to broader economic growth and diversification,” he added.
Digital payments in the future
Looking ahead, Al Nassai sees digital payments as a vital tool in supporting the region’s shift towards innovation-driven growth. “Digital payments are a powerful channel for promoting financial inclusion,” he said. By making financial services more accessible, reducing queuing times and enabling faster money transfers, digital payments are laying the foundation for a more efficient economy.
“The UAE is steadily moving towards establishing a strong digital economy, and Network International is poised to support all stakeholders in this transformation,” he concluded. With a focus on cashless convenience and digital security, the company is well-positioned to lead the region into a future where digital payments play a central role in economic growth and diversification.
