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If you run a business in the UAE, you already know that setting up online payments can feel like one of the more time-consuming parts of launching or growing an online e-commerce store.
Be it understanding API documentation, wrestling with technical integrations, or waiting for your merchant account to be approved, there are a few moving parts to navigate, to say the least.
Fortunately, many payment gateways, including Ziina, Shopify Payments, Stripe, and Mamo, have made the setup process much more straightforward. In this guide, we'll compare these platforms based on their fees, features, and how easy they are to get up and running.
Ziina is a UAE-based payment gateway that you can connect to Shopify, WooCommerce, or a custom website.
What are some simple ways to set up a payment gateway?
If your goal is to avoid complex API documentation and coding, here are some options:
- Native gateways: Some website builders (like Shopify) have payment solutions that are already built into the platform. You can usually switch them on from your dashboard, connect your bank account, and start accepting payments without a complex setup.
- Pre-built plugins: Some payment gateways offer ready-made plugins for popular website-building platforms like Shopify or WordPress. You can install the plugin and connect it to your store without needing to write any code.
- Hosted checkout pages: If you’re selling a few products, hosted checkout pages give you a simple way to accept payments without integrating anything. Some gateways let you add a basic "Buy Now" button to a standard webpage, which sends your customers to a secure, web-hosted checkout.
- Payment links: Payment links are one of the quickest ways to start accepting payments online if you don’t want to add a checkout on your website. You create a product and set a price in your payment provider’s dashboard, and it then generates a secure link that you can share anywhere. Then when customers click the link, they’re taken straight to a checkout page hosted by the payment provider.
Comparison table: Payment gateways without a complicated integration process
| Provider | Ziina | Stripe | Shopify Payments | Mamo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Could be well-suited for | UAE SMBs, e-commerce stores, and freelancers | Businesses of all sizes that want to scale internationally | Stores built on Shopify | UAE e-commerce businesses |
Pricing (UAE cards) | 2.6% + 1 AED | 2.9% + 1 AED | Varies by plan type and market | 2.9% + 1 AED on a Growth plan and 2.7% + 1 AED on a Premium plan |
Cash out times | 1 - 2 days for amounts under 25K AED (subject to bank processing times), 24h options available for eligible users | 3—7 days (to be confirmed with provider) | To be confirmed with provider | 2 - 5 days, with same-day settlements available (to be confirmed with provider) |
Disclaimer: Exact processing fees, available features, and legal requirements vary significantly based on your geographic location and the customer's payment method. Check with your providers directly for the most up-to-date information.
Read more: Compare payment gateway features and fees
Ziina
Since this is our article, we'll introduce ourselves first: Ziina is a payment gateway built specifically to help UAE businesses and entrepreneurs accept payments more easily.
Our no-code payment gateway plugins are designed for fast integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, and custom websites.
"With Ziina, you can just get started and very easily set up your payment gateway," says Jaron Oommen, Associate Product Manager at Ziina.
Here’s what makes integrating with Ziina easy:
- You can create a Ziina Business account, add an online checkout to your website, and start accepting payments very quickly.
- We offer pre-built plugins for Shopify and WooCommerce that require no coding – just add the plugin to your website.
- Our UAE-based human support is available in both English and Arabic, and our team always aims to answer any questions quickly.
- Have your funds settle quickly into your Ziina account and cash out your funds in just 1—2 business days for amounts under 25,000 AED (subject to bank processing times). 24h payout options are available for eligible users.
- All sales are centralized in the Ziina app, including sales from your payment gateway, payment links, QR codes, invoices, and Tap to Pay.
Read more about payment links or Tap to Pay here.
Here are also some alternatives:
Shopify Payments
If your store is built on Shopify, then Shopify Payments is an easy go-to option since it’s automatically built into your Shopify store. It is powered by Stripe’s infrastructure, and using it avoids Shopify's third-party transaction penalty.
Shopify Payments in the UAE is currently in early access and is available only to certain merchants.
Shopify Payments enables you to:
- Start accepting payments without installing a separate payment gateway or plugin
- Manage payments, refunds, payouts, and orders from your Shopify admin dashboard
- Accept cards and popular accelerated checkout methods like Shop Pay
- Eliminate third-party transaction fees for orders processed through native Shopify channels
Pricing: Processing rates depend on your specific Shopify subscription plan.
Stripe
One of the more well-known options is the global payment processing platform, Stripe.
When you integrate with Stripe, you can:
- Get started quickly using pre-built integrations for popular e-commerce platforms
- Pick between low-code hosted checkout pages and fully custom API integrations
- Test your payment flow in a sandbox before launching
- Add support for multiple payment methods
Pricing: Standard UAE rates typically start at 2.9% + 1 AED per successful transaction.
Mamo
Mamo is another payment gateway that was designed with an easy technical setup in mind.
Mamo enables you to:
- Integrate payments through a documented API or get started with no-code plugins for popular e-commerce platforms
- Test your implementation in a dedicated sandbox environment before going live
- Choose between payment links for a no-code setup or a fully custom API integration as your business grows
Pricing: UAE cards are charged at 2.9% + 1 AED on the Growth plan.
For the most up-to-date information, please check the relevant providers’ websites.
In summary
An easier payment gateway to integrate depends on your website, technical requirements, and business goals. Native solutions like Shopify Payments are ideal for Shopify stores, while Stripe offers flexible integration options for businesses that need a highly customizable platform.
If you're based in the UAE and looking for a payment gateway that's quick to implement, Ziina is another option worth considering. With pre-built plugins, low-code integration for custom websites, and local support, it's designed to help businesses start accepting payments without a lengthy setup process.
*Disclaimer: All information relating to third-party products and companies featured in this article has been sourced solely from their respective public websites and official publications at the time of writing July 2026. Ziina makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of this information. Product features, positioning, and company details may have changed since publication. Readers should refer to each provider's official website for the most up-to-date information before making any purchasing decisions.
**Disclaimer: Availability of Ziina products and features is subject to eligibility, successful verification, device compatibility, applicable transaction limits, Ziina’s terms and conditions, and regulatory requirements. Customers are responsible for ensuring they hold any trade license, permit, tax registration, or other approval required for their business activities. Fees, limits, payout timelines, and product features may vary and are subject to change. Please refer to Ziina’s latest terms and pricing for full details.
This article was published in September, 2026.
Sources:
- https://www.shopify.com/ae/payments
- https://stripe.com/ae/payments
- http://mamopay.com/