Report: UAE prefers mobile contactless payments
07 February, 2012
category: Contactless, NFC
United Arab Emirates (UAE) travelers prefer making payments via mobile rather than using cash or credit card, according to a recent survey commissioned by travel technology and transaction processor Amadeus.
According to the study, 32% of the UAE respondents found it “Extremely Appealing” to use the mobile for such transactions, as oppose to 24% globally. Additionally, 92% of the respondents found mobile payments “Somewhat Appealing,” in comparison to 78% among the other countries surveyed.
Based on research and input from industry experts including technologists, leading travel industry representatives, social trends experts and futurists, as well as quantitative traveler research in the UAE, Brazil, China, Russia, Spain, the UK and the US, the study explores six key areas in which future technology and innovation could be deployed.
High mobile penetration in the UAE is cited as a key reason for travelers’ readiness to use mobile applications and devices at payment points. Industry statistics reveal that the UAE is expected to lead with 100% mobile broadband penetration in 2012 while the mobile market penetration has already crossed the 200% mark.
Read more here.