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If you are a small business owner in the UAE, you might be stuck with a clunky, expensive point of sale terminal that feels like a relic from another decade. And if you haven't bought one yet, it's for a reason: these traditional systems often require thousands of dirhams in upfront hardware costs and monthly maintenance fees before you even process your first sale.
The goal for most entrepreneurs is to find a faster way to accept payments that doesn't involve heavy hardware or long waiting times.
That's where leading solutions that allow contactless payments on mobile for small businesses in the UAE come in: Ziina, Foloosi, and Nomod.
Ziina, Foloosi, and Nomod: Comparison table of UAE Tap to Pay providers*
| Feature | Ziina | Foloosi | Nomod |
|---|---|---|---|
Device compatibility | iPhone and Android | Android only | iPhone and Android |
Payout speed | Instant wallet settlement with next-day bank withdrawals and instant cashouts for eligible users | N/A | Payouts within 48 hours |
Payment methods supported | Contactless cards like Visa, Mastercard, and Amex, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay | Major cards such as Visa and Mastercard + local and international cards | Apple Pay, Google Pay, Tabby, Tamara, Amex, Mada |
Suitable for | Businesses wanting an all-in-one payment ecosystem | Mobile-first businesses using Android devices | Fast-moving businesses selling through chat and social apps |
Ziina: An all-in-one payment platform that enables you to accept contactless payments on your phone
Ziina is the first peer-to-peer payment app in the UAE that has evolved into a comprehensive financial platform for entrepreneurs. It allows you to collect payments across multiple channels (online, in person, and via messages) from a single interface.
The platform is designed for creative entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses that want to prioritize speed and digital-first financial tools.
- Transform your phone into a POS terminal: Use Tap to Pay on iPhone or Android to accept contactless card and mobile wallet payments without any extra hardware.
- Access funds quickly: Your funds settle into the Ziina wallet immediately. It only takes 1-2 business days (subject to bank processing times) to withdraw them into your local bank account, and eligible users may be able to access their money immediately with instant cashout options.
- Centralize your payment ecosystem: Manage your payment gateway, branded payment links, QR codes, invoicing, and in-person taps within one digital wallet.
- Collaborate with multi-user permissions: Set up sub-accounts for your team and control who can see total collections or process refunds.
- Accept up to 10 currencies, including AED, EUR, USD, GBP, INR, QAR, BHD, KWD, OMR, and SAR. Customers can pay in their local currency, while you settle in AED for easier accounting.
- Use Ziina in Arabic if you want, and contact our English & Arabic customer support based in the UAE.
To get started, you simply download the Ziina app and complete the quick onboarding process.
To accept a contactless payment, you tap New Order in the app, enter the amount, and select Tap to Pay. The customer then holds their card or phone against your device to complete the transaction.
“"Tap to Pay is up and coming in the UAE. People still get this wow factor when they first try it – it hasn't lost the novelty yet." ”
Foloosi
Foloosi is a UAE-based payment gateway that provides tools for startups and enterprises to streamline their financial operations. Their Tap to Phone solution focuses on making card acceptance simple for businesses that are always on the move.
The solution is specifically built for Android users and provides a way to replace traditional card machines with a mobile app.
- Accept payments instantly with NFC technology: Have customers tap their card or compatible device directly against your Android phone.
- Ensure security with 3D Secure protocols: Foloosi uses real-time authentication to reduce fraud risks for every cardholder transaction.
- Issue digital receipts via email or SMS: Automatically send an invoice or receipt to your customer the moment the payment is processed.
- Analyze performance with sales reports: Access detailed records of each cash or tap transaction to assist with your monthly reconciliation.
- Deploy across multiple industries: The app is designed for delivery partners, grocery stores, taxis, and individual shops.
To set up Foloosi, you download the app on an NFC-enabled Android device and sign up for an account.
Nomod
Nomod is a payment platform used by over 50,000 businesses in the UAE that move fast on platforms like WhatsApp. They emphasize a hardware-free approach that turns any smartphone into a mobile card terminal in minutes.
The app supports a broad range of payment methods and is designed to improve cash flow for small businesses of all sizes.
- Accept all major payment methods: Process payments from Apple Pay, Google Pay, Tabby, Tamara, and international card brands like Amex and Mada.
- Boost cash flow with two-day payouts: Get paid directly to your bank account within 48 hours to ensure you have the capital you need to restock inventory.
- Monitor business health with reporting tools: Track discounts, tips, taxes, and payouts through a mobile interface.
You can get started with Nomod in less than 30 seconds by creating an account on their website or app. Once registered, you can begin processing in-person contactless payments or creating payment links to share in chat apps.
How to choose the right solution for contactless mobile payments
When evaluating different payment providers, you should look beyond just the transaction fees. Small business needs vary depending on whether you are a solo creator or a growing retail team:
- Check device compatibility: Confirm if the solution supports both iOS and Android, especially if your team uses different types of phones.
- Evaluate settlement speed: Slow payouts can hurt a small business. Prioritize solutions that offer fast or instant cash outs.
- Look for the option to sell across multiple channels: If you sell online and offline, choose a platform that keeps all those sales in one wallet.
Final thoughts
Contactless mobile payments are making it easier for small businesses in the UAE to get paid without investing in bulky card machines or complicated setups. Whether you sell in-store, on the go, or through social platforms like WhatsApp, solutions like Ziina, Foloosi, and Nomod give you the flexibility to accept payments quickly using just your phone.
The best choice comes down to how you run your business. Some platforms focus on speed and all-in-one tools, while others prioritize simple tap-to-pay functionality or faster payouts.
*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. 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 July 2026.
Sources:
- https://foloosi.com/
- https://foloosi.com/tap-to-phone
- https://nomod.com/en-ae
- https://nomod.com/en-ae/features/two-day-payouts
- https://nomod.com/en-ae/features/tap-to-pay