Deal to establish new payment solution for Dubai’s ports sector

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) with the support of its affiliate, Magnati, is collaborating with PayRow Net through the Ports Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) to establish a best-in-class digital payment platform to spur Dubai’s shift towards becoming a cashless economy.

The new payment ecosystem is set to transform the existing payment gateway, leading to an advanced customer payment journey and improved user experience.

Government entities and merchants will now be able to receive payments from their customers in an easy, flexible, unified, and secure manner. The streamlining and automating of revenue collection will also help government entities to better plan and forecast as well as focus on their core business and services.

To improve the delivery of services, the platform enables users to make payments for government services through a variety of digital methods, including point of sale transactions, card payments and digital wallets. Additionally, FAB in collaboration with PayRow will issue co-branded prepaid cards to promote seamless and secure payments.Mustafa Al Khalfawi, Head of Global Banking UAE and Global Head of Government, Sovereigns and Public Sector at FAB, said, “We’re delighted to partner with PCFC to offer a seamless solution and establish a best-in-class digital payment platform. FAB’s holistic commitment to technology ensures we keep pace with innovation thereby empowering our partners to grow their digital capabilities.”

Ramana Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Magnati, said, “Magnati is excited to support FAB in its collaboration with PCFC and PayRow Net to usher in the next era of digital payments infrastructure.”

“This collaboration combines FAB’s technological expertise and Magnati’s payment know-how to transform PCFC’ payment platform and in turn support Dubai’s transition to a cashless economy.”

As Dubai consistently ranks as the smartest city in the Middle East and North Africa, smart payment technology such as this new ecosystem will continue to play a critical role in achieving the smart vision of the city alongside Dubai’s shift towards becoming a cashless economy.

The new payment platform is a continuation of the efforts in Dubai to advance the payments landscape across areas which cover civic and government domains such as utilities, transport, logistics, social services, healthcare, and public convenience. Ghanim Bin Wogayeh, CEO of PayRow Net, said, “We are delighted to be collaborating with FAB with the support of its affiliate, Magnati, to expand our payments services by providing an enhanced solution that improves the customer journey. This partnership showcases our commitment to deliver best-in-class digital payment solutions in line with Dubai’s shift to a cashless economy.”

PayRow Net Payment Services and Technologies Solutions LLC is a subsidiary of the Ports Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and, and by engaging with third party payments services providers, is facilitating access to a wide range of online payment methods such as online banking, credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, cash invoices, and more. These methods not only improve customer experience but also ensure customer transactions are made safely and securely.

Meanwhile Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs and CEO of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, visited the Air Cargo Centers Department to review the progress of work. He was accompanied by Juma Al Ghaith, Executive Director of Customs Development Division, Sultan Al Jouker, Director General’s Consultant, Dr Abdullah Busnad, Executive Director of Customs Inspection Division, Mohammed Al Ghaffari, Executive Director, Human Resources, Finance and Administration Division, Rashid Al Sharid, Executive Director, Administration and Finance Division, Yousef Al-Hashimi, (Acting) Executive Director, Customer Management Division and Farida Fadhil, (Acting) Executive Director of Policy and Legislation Division.

Sultan Saif Al-Suwaidi, Director of Air Cargo Customs Centers Management briefed the Director General on the Management’s achievements in 2022 up until the end of 3rd quarter. The Management carried out around 415,000 customs inspections, made 445 seizures, and completed 12.7 million customs declarations.

The Management’s presentation covered the measures they apply to improve performance in inspection and control of prohibited goods, as well as the modernization of their systems and operations, and their efforts to develop cooperation with strategic partners to better protect society and enhance the prosperity of Dubai’s foreign trade.

“We keep developing our customs centers as part of Dubai Customs’ strategic plan 2021-2026 to lead safe customs worldwide and provide world-class customs services to our clients,” said Musabih. Musabih pointed out Air Cargo Centers play a vital role in Dubai trade, and continuous development of air cargo centers is essential to maintain the momentum.