Prime Highlights
- American Express and Network International will enable card acceptance at over 85,000 additional UAE merchant locations.
- The partnership strengthens SME payment capabilities while expanding access for premium American Express Card Members.
Key Facts
- Network International becomes the first fintech to lead American Express Middle East’s merchant acceptance expansion.
- The collaboration offers merchants simplified settlements, dedicated support and access to higher-spending customers.
Background
American Express Middle East has struck a new agreement with fintech company Network International to bring American Express Card acceptance to more than 85,000 new locations across the UAE.
The deal targets small and medium-sized businesses in the UAE, giving them a way to accept payments from American Express Card holders, a group known for high spending.
Network becomes the first fintech company to partner with American Express Middle East on this kind of nationwide expansion effort.
Card holders, both from the UAE and abroad, will gain access to a wider range of shops and online stores that now accept American Express as a result of the deal. For merchants, adding American Express as a payment option means capturing more customer spend while offering a smoother checkout experience.
Merchants who sign up will also get practical benefits, including one combined statement for all transactions, a single settlement process, straightforward onboarding, and a dedicated point of contact for support.
Mazin Khoury, Chief Executive Officer at American Express Middle East, said card holders expect to use their cards wherever they go, and this agreement makes that easier across the UAE. He added that the company is glad to see more businesses across the Middle East and beyond choosing to accept American Express.
Murat Cagri Suzer, Group Chief Executive Officer at Network International, pointed to his company’s position as the top merchant acquirer in the region and said the deal hands UAE merchants a straightforward, dependable payments setup, while also connecting them with a wider pool of high-value customers.
American Express cards are currently accepted by more than 170 million merchants worldwide. The company says the number of locations accepting its cards globally has grown five times over since 2017.
