Astra Tech, a Dubai-based technology-focused investment company with backing from Abu Dhabi’s AI powerhouse, G42, has embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration with Alibaba’s renowned global digital payment platform, Ant Group. This innovative partnership brings convenience to tourists visiting the UAE, as they can now shop and pay for services using their home e-wallets, free from the hassles of foreign currency conversions.
The service, set to launch this month, seamlessly integrates Ant Group’s Alipay cross-border digital payment platform with Astra Tech’s expansive PayBy merchant network. This groundbreaking solution empowers over 1.4 billion e-wallet users to conduct transactions in their preferred home currencies. Tourists can utilize this service for Abu Dhabi’s extensive fleet of nearly 7,000 taxis and at over 3,000 retail establishments scattered across the UAE, providing unparalleled ease and flexibility.
Visitors from nations including China, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Italy, and many more will now find it remarkably convenient to utilize their native e-wallets, such as Alipay, MPay, Kakao Pay, GCash, TrueMoney, and Tinaba, when exploring the UAE.
As the Arab world’s second-largest economy, the UAE is fervently investing in the expansion of its tourism sector. Stay tuned to witness the transformative impact of this innovative approach, making travel to the UAE more accessible and seamless than ever before.
The dynamic partnership between Astra Tech and Ant Group is set to streamline settlement processes and mobile-based transactions through the use of Alipay, both in physical stores and across online platforms.
In physical stores, customers can simply scan a QR code at the cashier desk to make payments. They can then enter the payment amount and confirm the transaction, eliminating the need for currency exchange, cash withdrawals, and overcoming language barriers.
Additionally, retailers can also scan payment QR codes directly from a customer’s mobile phone, enhancing the convenience of the payment process.
Alipay and PayBy have exciting plans to expand this service further with the introduction of mini-programs tailored for merchants. These programs have the potential to significantly boost engagement with customers visiting the UAE from Asian and European countries.
Stay updated on these developments as Astra Tech and Ant Group revolutionize payment solutions for both locals and tourists in the UAE, providing seamless and efficient shopping experiences.