Dubai launches world’s first contactless payment ecosystem

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Deputy Business Editor

The Emirates Payment Services has announced the launch of Empay, the world’s first contactless instant credit lifestyle payment ecosystem. Empay, designed and developed within the UAE’s Smart Government programme framework, is a payment application for secure and cashless transactions.

Commenting on the launch of Empay,  Ali Ibrahim, Deputy Director General of Dubai Economy, and Chairman & Managing Director of Empay, said, “In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai for moving towards a digital or cashless economy, we are incredibly proud to unveil Empay, the new way to make contactless payments and financial transactions. Launch of the platform coinciding with the 49th UAE National Day celebrations is a matter of pride and honor for us. Its launch happens at a time when the UAE is retaining its vital position in the global economy. This new solution will contribute towards acceleration of the nation’s on-going transformation into the most advanced and connected digital marketplace in the world.”

“The launch of Empay comes within the framework of Dubai Economic Department’s strategy by supporting the transition to a digital economy for all business sectors, especially in developing financial transactions through contactless payments that enhances productivity, reduces costs and saves time. The App is also considered as a service model for smart living,” added  Ali Ibrahim.

He also said that the Department of Economic Development, Dubai believes that Empay will have an added value in the transition to contactless payments.

Empay is also the region’s first national contactless mobile payment app developed for the UAE residents from all walks of life. Empay provides multiple payment modes for people to use as per their convenience and lifestyle requirements. Empay is a culmination of government and private sector service payments including a wide variety of payments and lifestyle services such as Dubai Economic Department License Renewal, all types of bill payments, food ordering from restaurants, education fee payments, international remittance, P2P (Peer-to peer) micro payments and much more.

In short, right from your morning coffee to paying for your taxi ride to large business-related license renewals, users need just one single app -- Empay. In addition to this, Empay will provide instant credit facility to people, who need funds for making various payments without having to visit any bank and complete formalities and paperwork.

UAE residents can download the free super app from the Google Play Store or iOS App Store and register in just two minutes, and avail a Mastercard powered digital card within the app. The next-gen mobile solution is set to revolutionize customer experience by enabling them to conduct their financial transactions in a simple, fast, smart, and secure way.

Ms. Muna Al Qassab, Chief Executive Officer at The Emirates Payment Services L.L.C, said, “We are delighted to launch Empay and join the movement to accelerate the delivery of digital services in the region. Empay unlocks an amazing future of cashless transactions serving as an innovative platform for all in this rapidly changing digital payment market. Empay aims to become the ultimate payment solution for all residents of the UAE. With this project, we put customer experience and satisfaction as our topmost priority. Owing to changing lifestyles a, daily commerce, and rapid growth in online retailing, this trend is expected to continue during the forecast period in the region.”

 “The objective of the application is to offer a single platform for residents to make their day-to-day payments without the need of having multiple apps on their mobile phones for different payment requirements. Empay brings seamless user experience that no other solution provider offers in the region. We understand this model of payment solution is not only the need of the hour but will lead the way for all things digital in the times to come,” she added.

 Gigi George Koshy, Deputy CEO and Chief Product Officer of Empay, said, “Empay is a highly evolved mobile application, which provides the user with a comprehensive range of services making it the only lifestyle payment app one would ever need. It is the ecosystem that moves with you wherever you go for your payment needs.”

Girish Nanda, Country Manager, UAE and Oman, Mastercard, said: “Flexibility, security and convenience underpin this new initiative which will undoubtedly simplify the lives of UAE residents. With a holistic range of lifestyle services available, the development of Empay is a milestone moment in the country’s transformation into a fully cashless society.”