Shopify Gateway Comparison Table for UAE Merchants

Why Payment Gateway Selection Matters for UAE Ecommerce Businesses

The UAE ecommerce market continues to grow rapidly, driven by high internet penetration, smartphone usage and consumer confidence in online shopping.

Many consumers prefer:

• Credit and debit card payments

• Apple Pay

• Google Pay

• Local banking options

• Multi-currency support

• Fast, frictionless mobile checkout experiences

If your Shopify payment gateway doesn't support these preferences, customers may abandon their carts before completing a purchase.

A poor payment experience can lead to:

• Lower conversion rates

• Increased cart abandonment

• Failed transactions

• Higher support enquiries

• Reduced customer trust

The right payment gateway can improve checkout performance while simplifying operations for your team.

What UAE Merchants Should Look for in a Shopify Payment Gateway

Before comparing providers, it's important to understand the criteria that matter most.

Local UAE Support

Not every global payment provider offers full support for UAE businesses.

A gateway should support:

• UAE-registered businesses

• AED settlements

• Local bank accounts

• Regional compliance requirements

Shopify Integration

Native Shopify integrations reduce technical complexity and create a smoother checkout experience.

Look for gateways that:

• Integrate directly with Shopify Payments or Shopify Checkout

• Support accelerated checkouts

• Work seamlessly with subscriptions and Shopify apps

Multi-Currency Support

To enable international selling, the ideal gateway should support:

• AED

• USD

• GBP

• EUR

• Additional GCC currencies where relevant

Settlement Speed

Cash flow matters.

Settlement times can vary significantly between providers.

Some gateways offer:

• Daily settlements

• Weekly settlements

• Faster access to funds

• Better reporting capabilities

Transaction Fees

Pricing structures differ considerably.

Consider:

• Transaction percentages

• Fixed transaction costs

• Refund fees

• Cross-border fees

• Currency conversion fees

The cheapest gateway isn't always the most cost-effective if it impacts conversion rates.

Digital Wallet Compatibility

Digital wallets continue to grow in popularity across the UAE.

Support for:

• Apple Pay

• Google Pay

• Shop Pay

• Samsung Pay

can help increase mobile conversion rates significantly.

Shopify Payments: The Best Option for Most UAE Merchants

For many businesses launching on Shopify in Dubai or the UAE, Shopify Payments should be the first option considered.

Shopify Payments is Shopify's own integrated payment solution and eliminates the need for a third-party payment gateway.

Key Benefits

• Native Shopify integration

• Faster setup

• Unified reporting

• Apple Pay support

• Google Pay support

• Shop Pay support

• Reduced operational complexity

• No third-party transaction fees

Why Shopify Payments Works Well in the UAE

As Shopify continues expanding globally, Shopify Payments has become increasingly attractive for merchants seeking a streamlined checkout experience.

Benefits include:

• Faster checkout journeys

• Reduced maintenance

• Better customer experience

• Simplified financial reporting

For brands focused on growth, reducing checkout friction can often deliver measurable improvements in conversion rates.

Best For

• New Shopify stores

• Growing ecommerce brands

• DTC businesses

• Merchants prioritising simplicity

PayTabs

PayTabs is one of the most recognised payment providers in the Middle East and has established itself as a leading regional solution.

Advantages

• Strong Middle East presence

• AED support

• Local banking relationships

• Multiple payment methods

• Good regional expertise

Potential Drawbacks

• Interface may feel less streamlined than Shopify Payments

• Setup processes can vary depending on business structure

Best For

• Established UAE merchants

• GCC-focused ecommerce brands

• Businesses seeking regional payment expertise

Amazon Payment Services (Formerly PayFort)

Amazon Payment Services remains a popular choice among UAE ecommerce businesses.

Formerly known as PayFort before it was purchased by Amazon, it has deep roots within the regional ecommerce ecosystem.

Advantages

• Strong reputation

• Trusted infrastructure

• Regional expertise

• Multi-currency support

• Wide merchant adoption

Potential Drawbacks

• Integration complexity can be higher than native Shopify options

• Merchant onboarding may take longer

Best For

• Mid-sized retailers

• Established ecommerce operations

• Businesses processing higher transaction volumes

Telr

Telr has become a popular payment gateway among SMEs throughout the UAE.

Advantages

• UAE-focused services

• Competitive pricing

• Strong local support

• Shopify integration available

• Multiple payment methods

Potential Drawbacks

• Some advanced features may require additional configuration

Best For

• Small and medium-sized businesses

• Startups

• Merchants launching new Shopify stores

Network International

Network International is one of the largest payment providers in the Middle East.

Advantages

• Enterprise-grade infrastructure

• Extensive regional presence

• High transaction capacity

• Strong banking relationships

Potential Drawbacks

• Often more suitable for larger businesses

• Setup can be more complex

Best For

• Enterprise retailers

• High-volume merchants

• Multi-brand ecommerce groups

Checkout.com

Founded in the Middle East and now operating globally, Checkout.com has become a major player in ecommerce payments.

Advantages

• Excellent international capabilities

• Advanced fraud prevention

• Strong reporting tools

• High-performance payment processing

Potential Drawbacks

• Often better suited to scaling merchants

• Pricing structures may vary by volume

Best For

• Fast-growing brands

• International ecommerce businesses

• Omnichannel retailers

Stripe

Stripe remains one of the world's most popular payment providers.

Advantages

• Excellent developer tools

• Strong subscription capabilities

• Advanced reporting

• Global reach

Potential Drawbacks

• Regional support may vary depending on business requirements

• Local alternatives may offer stronger UAE-specific expertise

Best For

• Subscription businesses

• SaaS companies

• International ecommerce brands

Tabby and Tamara: Buy Now, Pay Later Solutions

Although not payment gateways in the traditional sense, BNPL solutions have become increasingly important in the UAE ecommerce landscape.

Why BNPL Matters

Buy Now, Pay Later providers can:

• Increase average order value

• Improve conversion rates

• Reduce purchase hesitation

• Appeal to younger consumers

Tabby

One of the most widely adopted BNPL providers in the UAE.

Popular among:

• Fashion brands

• Beauty retailers

• Lifestyle brands

Tamara

A growing BNPL option with strong GCC presence.

Often chosen by:

• Mid-market retailers

• Premium consumer brands

(For many Shopify merchants, BNPL should be considered alongside the payment gateway strategy rather than as a replacement.)

Local Payment Preferences in the UAE

When evaluating Shopify payment gateways, merchants should consider how customers actually prefer to pay.

Current trends include:

Mobile Commerce Growth

A large percentage of ecommerce purchases are now completed on mobile devices.

This makes:

• Apple Pay

• Google Pay

• One-click checkout experiences

more important than ever.

Cross-Border Shopping

Many UAE consumers purchase from international brands.

Supporting multiple currencies and trusted payment methods can improve confidence and conversion rates.

Trust and Security

Consumers want reassurance that their payment information is secure.

Recognisable payment providers often help build trust during checkout.

How Payment Gateways Impact Shopify Conversion Rates

Payment gateways are often viewed purely as operational tools. In reality, they directly affect revenue. Factors influencing conversion include:

Checkout and Site Speed

Fewer steps generally lead to higher conversion rates.

A website that loads faster also contributes to this.

Mobile Experience

A poor mobile payment experience can dramatically increase abandonment.

Payment Method Choice

Customers are more likely to convert when their preferred payment method is available.

Trust Signals

Recognisable gateways help reduce purchase anxiety.

For Shopify stores in Dubai and the UAE, these factors can make the difference between a successful checkout and a lost sale.

Which Shopify Payment Gateway Is Best for UAE Merchants?

The answer depends on your business model.

For Most Shopify Stores

Shopify Payments is usually the strongest option due to its native integration, ease of use and streamlined checkout experience.

For Regional Expertise

PayTabs and Telr remain excellent choices for merchants focused on the UAE and GCC markets.

For Enterprise Businesses

Network International, Checkout.com and Amazon Payment Services provide advanced capabilities and scalability.

For International Expansion

Shopify Payments, Stripe and Checkout.com offer strong global functionality.

Final Thoughts

The best Shopify stores don't simply focus on traffic acquisition. They optimise every stage of the customer journey, including checkout.

Choosing the right payment gateway can improve:

• Conversion rates

• Customer trust

• Operational efficiency

• Cash flow

• International growth opportunities

For merchants launching or scaling on Shopify in the UAE, evaluating payment gateways should be a core part of your ecommerce strategy rather than an afterthought.

Whether you're a startup in Dubai, an established retailer in Abu Dhabi or a fast-growing DTC brand selling across the GCC, selecting the right payment solution can help unlock sustainable ecommerce growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best payment gateway for Shopify in the UAE?

For most merchants, Shopify Payments is the strongest option due to its native integration with Shopify, support for accelerated checkouts, simplified reporting and seamless customer experience.

However, businesses with specific regional requirements may prefer providers such as PayTabs, Telr or Amazon Payment Services, particularly if they already have existing banking relationships within the UAE.

Does Shopify Payments work in the UAE?

Yes. Shopify Payments is available to eligible businesses in the UAE and allows merchants to accept major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Shop Pay through a single integrated platform.

Using Shopify Payments also removes the additional transaction fees typically associated with third-party gateways.

What payment methods do UAE consumers prefer?

Consumer preferences continue to evolve, but the most popular payment methods include:

• Visa

• Mastercard

• Apple Pay

• Google Pay

• Buy Now, Pay Later services such as Tabby and Tamara

• Digital wallets

• Cash on Delivery (in some sectors)

Mobile-first payment methods have become increasingly important as smartphone commerce continues to grow across the UAE.

Is Cash on Delivery still popular in the UAE?

Cash on Delivery (COD) remains available with many ecommerce retailers, particularly in fashion, beauty and general retail sectors.

However, its popularity has gradually declined as consumers become more comfortable with digital payments and Buy Now, Pay Later services.

Many Shopify merchants now actively encourage prepaid orders due to lower operational costs and fewer failed deliveries.

Should UAE Shopify stores offer Buy Now, Pay Later options?

For many merchants, yes.

BNPL providers such as Tabby and Tamara can:

• Increase conversion rates

• Improve average order value

• Reduce checkout hesitation

• Appeal to younger demographics

They're particularly effective for fashion, luxury, electronics, beauty and lifestyle brands.

What is the cheapest Shopify payment gateway in Dubai?

The cheapest option isn't always the best option.

Merchants should evaluate:

• Transaction fees

• Currency conversion charges

• Refund fees

• Settlement fees

• Checkout conversion performance

A gateway with slightly higher fees may ultimately generate more revenue if it delivers a better customer experience and higher conversion rate.

Can UAE merchants accept Apple Pay on Shopify?

Yes.

Apple Pay can be enabled through Shopify Payments and several third-party payment gateways available in the UAE.

Because Apple Pay allows customers to complete purchases quickly using Face ID or Touch ID, it can significantly improve mobile checkout performance.

Which payment gateway is best for international sales?

For UAE brands selling internationally, the strongest options are typically:

1. Shopify Payments

2. Checkout.com

3. Stripe

These providers offer robust multi-currency capabilities, global payment acceptance and support for international ecommerce growth.

How important is local currency support for UAE ecommerce stores?

Very important.

Displaying and settling transactions in AED can:

• Improve customer trust

• Reduce checkout friction

• Minimise exchange rate concerns

• Simplify accounting processes

For brands targeting UAE consumers, AED support should be considered essential.

How long do payment gateway settlements take in the UAE?

Settlement times vary by provider.

Typical settlement periods range from:

• Daily settlements

• 2–7 business days

• Weekly settlement schedules

Merchants should assess settlement timelines carefully, particularly if cash flow is important to business operations.

Can I use more than one payment gateway on Shopify?

Yes.

Many Shopify merchants use a combination of payment solutions, for example:

• Shopify Payments for card processing

• Tabby for Buy Now, Pay Later

• PayPal for additional payment flexibility

Offering multiple trusted payment methods can improve conversion rates and accommodate different customer preferences.

How do payment gateways affect conversion rates?

Payment gateways directly influence the checkout experience.

Factors that can improve conversions include:

• Faster checkout processes

• Mobile optimisation

• Apple Pay and Google Pay support

• Local currency acceptance

• Customer trust and familiarity

Even small improvements to checkout usability can lead to meaningful increases in revenue over time.

For further information about ecommerce in the UAE, check out our blogs below: how to launch a beauty brand in the UAE, why Shopify is the perfect platform for the region, best jewellery website designs and clean website design.

If you’re looking to work with a Shopify agency in the region, we’re happy to talk - take a look at our Dubai Ecommerce Services page and get in touch for a chat.