Visa preps Apple Pay for UAE banks

Visa (NYSE:V), the world’s leader in digital payments, today brings its UAE-based cardholders Apple Pay, which is transforming mobile payments with an easy, secure and private way to pay that’s fast and convenient.

Enabled in part with Visa’s tokenization security, Apple Pay will benefit Visa cardholders across the UAE allowing them to make payments directly from their Apple devices while ensuring that their financial details are more secure than ever before. According to a soon to be published Visa commissioned survey, over 72 percent of UAE residents use their smartphones for more than three hours a day and the consumer demand for alternative, convenient and secure delivery channels is high. 

Security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. When you use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element on your device. Each transaction is authorized with a one-time unique dynamic security code.

Commenting on the announcement, Nathan Cushnie, Visa Head of Digital Solutions for Middle East and North Africa, said: “In a country filled with tech-savvy, mobile-first consumers, we are excited to help bring Apple Pay for Visa cardholders making their payments experience easier, faster and more secure than ever before. With nearly one third of UAE residents already making purchases via their smartphones several times a month, Apple Pay launches at an opportune time for Visa cardholders, offering them a secure and seamless payment experience.” 

Apple Pay is easy to set up and users will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by their credit and debit cards. In stores, Apple Pay works with iPhone 6 and later, iPhone SE, and Apple Watch. 

Online shopping in apps and on merchant websites that accept Apple Pay is as simple as the touch of a finger with Touch ID, so there’s no need to manually fill out lengthy account forms or repeatedly type in shipping and billing information. When paying for goods and services on the go in apps or Safari, Apple Pay works with iPhone 6 and later, iPhone SE, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 3 and later. You can also use Apple Pay in Safari on any Mac introduced in or after 2012 running macOS Sierra and confirm the payment with iPhone 6 or later or Apple Watch, or with Touch ID on the new MacBook Pro.