The Covid-19 pandemic has spurred the rapid adoption of digital payments worldwide to meet soaring demand for contactless transactions, and the UAE is adapting to the "tectonic shift" faster than experts expected.
Technologies such as biometric identification and Quick Response (QR) codes are evolving as the next modes of payment, according to retail, technology and credit card companies.
"The introduction of biometrics, especially facial recognition, may emerge as a popular payment mechanism," Arjun Vir Singh, executive vice president of cards and payments at Dubai conglomerate Al-Futtaim Group, tells The National.
“You become the form-factor, you no longer need to even take out your phone,” he said.
This week, Amazon made that future a reality, as it introduced a payment-enabling palm scanner. The product, which links the characteristics of a person's palm to their Amazon account, will be tested at two of the company's physical stores in Seattle.
Using biometric data for commercial purposes goes all the way back to 1839, when a deed of sale on a house in China was signed with a fingerprint, according to Dr Anil K Jain, a board member of Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.
Back then, it addressed issues of illiteracy. Today, the use of biometric data to initiate payments by mobile phone are expected to secure $2.5 trillion by 2024 from the $228 million forecast for 2019, according to UK-based Juniper Research.
About 90 per cent of smartphones will have some form of dedicated biometric hardware in the next four years, enabling payment by phone, facial recognition or a thumbprint scan, according to Juniper.
As the global economy emerges from what has been touted as the deepest recession since the Great Depression, analysts predict the uptake of digital payments will accelerate with the economic rebound.
In the UAE, consumers are anticipating a shift. Two-thirds of people expect the country to become fully cashless by 2030, according to a new poll by Standard Chartered.
"The checkout experience has changed for good and we expect this trend to stay," Khalid Elgibali, Mastercard's division president for Middle East and North Africa, told The National.
“While previously driven by convenience, the concerns around public health and hygiene have accelerated this [transition] exponentially.”
Abu Dhabi-based PayBy, which launched mobile payment services in March, is offering a peer-to-peer transfer feature that scans a user’s QR code and conducts cashless transactions without sharing private data.
A QR Code is a square barcode that contains machine-scannable data that can be read by smartphones. The information stored in the code can be used to make a call, make payments, open a website and for many other applications.
"We expect digital payments to eventually overtake most cash usage as consumers favour convenience and a seamless checkout experience," Sebastian Reis, executive vice president of global e-commerce at Checkout.com, told The National.
Checkout.com offers connected payment solutions for many of the region’s leading brands including Careem, Deliveroo, Zomato and Hungerstation.
The road ahead needs to be marked by greater safety, security, speed and convenience, driven by industry players providing and supporting the digital payments infrastructure, experts said.
The pandemic was a “tectonic shift” in payments, said Akshay Chopra, head of innovation and design for Central Europe, Middle East and Africa, at Visa.
Three out of four UAE consumers will prefer a store where they don’t need to interact with a cashier and will gladly switch stores if it means contactless shopping, he added.
Visa is now imagining a world where customers can scan QR codes to add products to their shopping cart in-store and checkout without interacting with a sales person. It is testing the technology at its innovation centre in Dubai.
Amid a wider uptake, service providers said they are working to build the trust of consumers, which along with inclusion are top concerns for consumers and technology developers alike.
“Security by design is central to development of new payment technologies,” Mr Elgibali said.
More than 60 per cent of the UAE’s current working population, especially in manufacturing, trading, food and beverage and construction, sits outside the traditional banking system, according to Edenred data.
With the outbreak of Covid-19 "it is becoming critical for businesses to ensure financial inclusion," Anouar Bourakkadi Idrissi, chief executive at Edenred UAE, said.
Edenred launched a Mastercard-linked app in August to facilitate financial inclusion.
“Now even unbanked employees can become cardholders," he said.
In June, Dubai-based ride-hailing company Careem teamed up with Visa to offer its drivers real-time access to their daily trip earnings.
The company has experienced an uptick in digital transactions during the pandemic.
Currently 90 per cent of its UAE customers are using cashless option Careem Pay against the 75 per cent before the pandemic, said Hassan Mahbub, head of strategy at Careem Pay.
“Covid struck and we saw, like other e-commerce platforms, a shift to non-cash ... on the payments front, it gives us a very strong footprint and baseline,” he said.
The Careem Pay wallet is the most downloaded wallet in the region and one in three rides are paid for through it.
To facilitate the digital transactions, banks are also sprucing up their infrastructure.
As banks increase their digital capabilities in the evolving environment they need to ensure seamless functionality across platforms, said Colin Dallas, head of retail banking at the National Bank of Fujairah.
It is critical to have effective measures in place to protect passwords, biometrics, linking mobile devices and customer’s online account, he added.
To enhance its mobile banking capabilities, the National Bank of Fujairah enrolled in ‘Klip’ - the nationwide multi-bank initiative, launched by Emirates Digital Wallet, that provides instant and person-to-person payments in the UAE through a mobile app.
“Transactions needs to be a quick and simple process with a maximum of one tap," Mr Dallas said. A bank "needs to ensure that all merchants will accept these payment methods”.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RESULT
Manchester United 1 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Man United: Dunk (66' og)
Man of the Match: Shane Duffy (Brighton)
Brief scores:
Everton 0
Leicester City 1
Vardy 58'
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Company%20Profile
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
1971: The Year The Music Changed Everything
Director: Asif Kapadia
4/5
England Test squad
Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Dawid Malan, Jamie Porter, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes.
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
The biog
Name: Younis Al Balooshi
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Doctorate degree in forensic medicine at the University of Bonn
Hobbies: Drawing and reading books about graphic design
If you go
Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.
Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com
A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com
Abu Dhabi racecard
5pm: Maiden (Purebred Arabians); Dh80,000; 1,400m.
5.30pm: Maiden (PA); Dh80,00; 1,400m.
6pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup (PA); Group 3; Dh500,000; 1,600m.
6.30pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup (Thoroughbred); Listed; Dh380,000; 1,600m
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup for Private Owners Handicap (PA); Dh70,000; 1,400m.
7.30pm: Handicap (PA); Dh80,000; 1,600m
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed
Power: 620bhp
Torque: 760Nm
Price: Dh898,000
On sale: now
The biog
DOB: March 13, 1987
Place of birth: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia but lived in Virginia in the US and raised in Lebanon
School: ACS in Lebanon
University: BSA in Graphic Design at the American University of Beirut
MSA in Design Entrepreneurship at the School of Visual Arts in New York City
Nationality: Lebanese
Status: Single
Favourite thing to do: I really enjoy cycling, I was a participant in Cycling for Gaza for the second time this year
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush
Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”
A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.
“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
'Munich: The Edge of War'
Director: Christian Schwochow
Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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Match info
Liverpool 4
Salah (19'), Mane (45 2', 53'), Sturridge (87')
West Ham United 0
FIXTURES
All kick-off times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Brackets denote aggregate score
Tuesday:
Roma (1) v Shakhtar Donetsk (2), 11.45pm
Manchester United (0) v Sevilla (0), 11.45pm
Wednesday:
Besiktas (0) v Bayern Munich (5), 9pm
Barcelona (1) v Chelsea (1), 11.45pm
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Cracks in the Wall
Ben White, Pluto Press
SPECS
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Biog
Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara
He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada
Father of two sons, grandfather of six
Plays golf once a week
Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family
Walks for an hour every morning
Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India
2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business
The%20Roundup%20%3A%20No%20Way%20Out
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Lee%20Sang-yong%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Don%20Lee%2C%20Lee%20Jun-hyuk%2C%20Munetaka%20Aoki%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
Royal wedding inspired menu
Ginger, citrus and orange blossom iced tea
Avocado ranch dip with crudites
Cucumber, smoked salmon and cream cheese mini club sandwiches
Elderflower and lemon syllabub meringue
