Mastercard has rolled out agentic payments in the United Arab Emirates, allowing customers to explore, compare, and buy via AI-powered digital assistants.
Incorporating AI into individual shopping experiences, Mastercard is extending its Agent Pay service across the UAE. The pilot phase involves partnerships with fintech Dataiera and Majid Al Futtaim Holding, a key player in retail and leisure sectors throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Mastercard Agent Pay in the UAE
This initiative seeks to maintain integrity as payments adapt to emerging AI technologies. Mastercard’s Agent Pay is designed to be transparent, secure, and founded on consent, fostering confidence among both consumers and businesses when engaging with these new tools. Once operational, users will be able to utilize their AI agents for discovering, searching, and transacting through Mastercard Agent Pay, encompassing purchases such as cinema tickets at VOX Cinemas.
The Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications highlighted that the UAE serves as a global center for adopting innovative technologies aimed at enhancing well-being, bolstering national competitiveness, and driving advancements in AI applications. Embracing AI to streamline daily life, propel development, and elevate digital interactions, this initiative marks a significant step towards the UAE’s digital economy growth.
A representative from Majid Al Futtaim Holding emphasized that the company views AI as transformative, with the potential to redefine human interaction and commerce. Collaborating with Mastercard on Agent Pay enables them to integrate technology ethically and responsibly into financial transactions, thus fostering a framework of trust and consumer security.
Mastercard is committed to supporting the UAE’s endeavors in secure commerce, digitalization, and global AI adoption. This aligns with their efforts to launch the Center for Advanced AI and Cyber Technology in Dubai in 2023, working closely with the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office.
