News

Tourists Can Now Use Their Home E-Wallets In The UAE

A new partnership between Ant Group, Astra Tech and G42 enables seamless transactions for visitors without the hassle of currency conversions.

Published

1 year ago

September 5, 2023

Nour Nasir

tourists can now use their home e-wallets in the uae

Dubai-based technology investment company Astra Tech, backed by Abu Dhabi AI company G42, has partnered with Alibaba’s payment platform Ant Group to enable tourists in the United Arab Emirates to pay for goods and services using their home e-wallets.

The new service will help to avoid the hassle of currency conversion, integrating the Alipay cross-border payment platform with Astra Tech’s PayBy merchant network.

When the system goes live later this month, over 1.4 billion wallet users will be able to make seamless transactions in their home currencies in 3,000 retail establishments and make speedy payments for trips in Abu Dhabi’s fleet of 7,000 taxis.

“Our milestone collaboration with Alipay aligns perfectly with the UAE’s commitment to enhancing the payment ecosystem and fostering a commerce-friendly environment,” explained Abdallah Abu Sheikh, co-founder of Astra Tech and chief executive of Botim.

The new service will primarily cater to tourists from China, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Italy. However, anyone who signs up for an Alipay, MPay, Kakao Pay, GCash, TrueMoney, and Tinaba e-wallet can enjoy the service.

The Astra Tech and Ant Group partnership will facilitate speedy settlement processes and smooth mobile-based transactions through Alipay in physical and online settings. Meanwhile, both Alipay and PayBy plan to expand the service to further boost spending from Asian and European visitors.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

“Our alliance with Astra Tech not only opens the doors to a seamless and integrated digital payment experience at physical stores in the Middle East, but also propels us towards a new era of strategic collaboration,” said Guoming Cheng, Ant Group’s general manager of Europe and the Middle East.

The UAE is the Middle East’s second-largest economy and has begun investing heavily to expand its tourism sector. In May, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced that tourism sector spending had risen 70% to Dh121 billion ($33 billion) in 2022 — the highest in the region.

Related Topics:Astra Tech FinTech G42 United Arab Emirates

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Skyloov Shakes Up UAE Real Estate Sector With Record Growth

Launched in October 2024, the property portal is already recording an impressive 2.7 million monthly visitors.

Published

3 days ago

January 27, 2025

Nour Nasir

skyloov shakes up uae real estate sector with record growth

Skyloov, the UAE’s newest real estate platform, has gained huge traction since launching in October 2024. Focused on “innovation, transparency, and user empowerment,” the startup has quickly positioned itself as a major player in the region’s competitive property market.

In just a few months, Skyloov has recorded an impressive 2.7 million monthly visitors — an indicator of how well it’s resonating with UAE buyers, renters, and investors. The portal already boasts 110,000 property listings spanning all seven emirates, 1,000 licensed brokers, and over 70,000 daily property searches.

skyloov shakes up uae real estate sector

“Skyloov is not just another property portal; it’s a game-changer in how real estate is discovered and sold,” said Dr. Abdulaziz Albwardi, Chairman of the Board at Skyloov. “Our achievements in such a short time reflect our commitment to offering a transparent and innovative platform that meets the evolving needs of property seekers and brokers alike. We are here to challenge the status quo and empower our users to succeed in a competitive market”.

What sets Skyloov apart is its cutting-edge technology and user-centric design. Features like AI-powered property matchmaking and voice-activated search within its mobile app make finding the perfect property simple and intuitive. The platform’s integration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) also ensures every listing is verified, offering users peace of mind in their search. Meanwhile, brokers benefit from an array of listing and management tools, supported by real-time analytics that the company claims deliver high-quality leads and tangible results.

Also Read: Etihad Rail Plans 30 Minute Dubai To Abu Dhabi Train Link

Skyloov’s rapid success makes it one of the fastest-growing platforms in the UAE’s real estate market, and the company is already laying the groundwork to become the leading property portal in the entire MENA region. By continuing to prioritize innovation, transparency, and user empowerment, Skyloov is not just competing — it’s setting new benchmarks for the industry.