Network International to launch WeChat Pay in the UAE

UAE’s merchant acquirer Network International will launch mobile payment service WeChat Pay in the UAE, it announced on Monday, February 24.

Network International signed an agreement with Tencent Holdings Limited, developer of WeChat Pay, making the mobile payment service available to all of Network’s merchant partners across the UAE.

Network International will enable mobile-based transactions via WeChat Pay at points of sale and for online purchases, a statement said.

The launch will enable Chinese tourists to transact seamlessly, safely and securely with Network International’s merchant network in the UAE via their WeChat mobile wallet.

The WeChat Pay’s service is embedded in WeChat, the Chinese social messaging service, that services more than 1 billion registered users worldwide.

“We are excited to work with Tencent Holdings to offer WeChat Pay to our clients across the UAE,” said Paul Clarke, group head of Product & Innovation, Network International.

“Our agreement brings an incredible opportunity to the UAE’s retail and hospitality sectors, helping them cater to the growing demand from Chinese visitors.”

Network International provides a suite of payment products and services to more than 65,000 merchant partners and 220 financial institutions across more than 50 countries. It is also the first independent vendor certified by both Visa and Mastercard for payments in the Middle East, according to its website.