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Network International signs agreement with UnionPay International

Network International, the leading enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, has signed an agreement with UnionPay International on the acceptance of QR code-based payment services.

The agreement signed by Han Wang, General Manager of UnionPay International Middle East, and Samer Soliman, Managing Director – Middle East, Network International, in the presence of SHAO Fujun, Chairman of China UnionPay, and Simon Haslam, Group CEO of Network International, will see nearly 10,000 merchant terminals in the UAE support UnionPay’s QR code-based payment service bringing convenience to UnionPay cardholders who use the ‘UnionPay’ app, the company’s secure, efficient and fast payment service.

The partnership follows UnionPay International’s agreement last year with Network International on acceptance of UnionPay QuickPass, which enabled UnionPay cardholders to conduct contactless payments on Network International POS terminals in the UAE using their NFC-enabled chip cards or smartphones.

China’s multibillion dollar ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI) has contributed to the country maintaining its position as the UAE’s largest trading partner for several years. 15.95 million Chinese visitors visited the UAE in 2018, according to

Dubai Tourism figures, making UnionPay cards an increasingly important tool for payments. UnionPay cards are currently accepted, online and offline, across the UAE. In 2018, trading volumes of the domestically issued UnionPay cards increased nearly 20% year-on-year.

While cash payments still dominate in the UAE, the country is witnessing a transition to electronic payment methods, led by UAE government initiatives to offer citizens and residents innovative digital payment options.

Currently, all Network POS terminals in the UAE support UnionPay QuickPass, and the new agreement will boost wider acceptance of QR code services among merchants across the UAE.

SHAO Fujun commented that the BRI has led to increasingly stronger demand for cross-border payments between China and the UAE. In response, UnionPay has significantly expanded coverage of UnionPay mobile payments service to fulfil the needs of its clients visiting the UAE. He further stated that UnionPay is committed to leveraging its networks, products and technologies to support the ongoing digitisation payment industry in the UAE and provide the UAE residents with UnionPay mobile payments.

Commented Samer Soliman, Managing Director – Middle East, Network International, “As the leading enabler of commerce in the MEA region, we are delighted to partner with UnionPay to support UAE merchants’ acceptance of QR code-based payments. We continue to support the UAE’s transition to digital payments and are pleased to expand this effort further through our partnership with UnionPay.”

Users can already enjoy safe and convenient UnionPay mobile payment services in 47 countries and regions around the world. They can make QR code scanning -based payments at more than 10,000,000 merchants in 29 countries and regions, most of which are located along the BRI countries and regions. In the Middle East, UnionPay QR code payment service has been accepted by tens of thousands of merchants in countries including Turkey and Pakistan, providing visitors a seamless and convenient payment experience.