What Is a Restaurant Payment Gateway in the UAE?
A restaurant payment gateway in the UAE is the technology layer that authorises and routes card or digital-wallet transactions between your customer’s bank and your merchant account — distinct from your POS software, which manages orders and receipts. Restaurants in the UAE need both: a POS system for order management and a separately contracted payment gateway or merchant acquirer to actually move the money.
In the UAE, payment infrastructure sits under two regulatory bodies: the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), which licenses acquirers and payment service providers under the Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes Regulation, and — for DIFC or ADGM-licensed entities — the DFSA or FSRA. Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025 expanded this perimeter significantly; unlicensed payment processing is now a criminal offence carrying fines up to AED 500 million. Every provider listed in this guide holds the relevant CBUAE or emirate-level licence.
For restaurant owners, the practical distinction is this: your POS vendor is not your payment processor. You will sign separate agreements — one with your POS software company and one with a payment gateway or bank acquirer — and the fees are charged independently.
Merchant Account vs Payment Gateway: What Restaurants Actually Need
UAE restaurants need both a merchant account (held at an acquiring bank to receive settlement funds) and a payment gateway (the encrypted channel that transmits transaction data). Some providers bundle both; others require you to arrange the acquiring relationship separately.
The acquiring bank is the institution that underwrites your ability to accept card payments. In the UAE the dominant acquirers are Network International (the largest independent acquirer, processing for Emirates NBD, FAB and others), Magnati (a ADCB spin-off serving government and enterprise), and Mashreq. When you sign up with a gateway like Telr or PayTabs, they act as a payment facilitator sitting on top of one of these acquiring relationships — simplifying your onboarding in exchange for a slightly higher MDR than you would negotiate directly with the bank.
Restaurants with high monthly volumes (above AED 150,000–200,000 per month) often benefit from going direct to a bank acquirer for a lower bespoke MDR, accepting the longer onboarding timeline of two to four weeks and potential monthly minimum fees. Smaller or newer restaurants typically start with a gateway-as-facilitator model for faster approval and predictable per-transaction pricing.
If you are setting up a new UAE restaurant and navigating these decisions alongside trade licences and supplier agreements, the Make My Restaurant F&B business setup package can coordinate payment infrastructure alongside your full launch.
UAE Payment Gateway Providers: Side-by-Side Comparison
Six providers dominate UAE restaurant payment processing in 2026, each with different strengths on cost, onboarding speed, and in-person versus online capability. The table below shows published standard rates; actual rates are negotiable at volume.
| Provider |
UAE card MDR |
Monthly fee |
Settlement |
In-person terminal |
Apple Pay |
| Network International (N-Genius) |
2.4–2.9% + AED 1 |
AED 500–2,000 (negotiated) |
T+1 to T+2 |
Yes — N-Genius POS terminals |
Yes |
| Magnati |
1.8–3.8% (negotiated) |
AED 600–2,500 |
T+1 to T+2 |
Yes |
Yes |
| Telr |
2.49% + AED 0.50 |
AED 99–349 |
T+2 to T+3 |
Via integration partners |
Yes |
| Tap Payments |
2.75% flat |
None (standard) |
T+3 (T+1 at volume) |
GoSell POS app |
Yes |
| PayTabs |
2.85% + AED 0.27 |
AED 0–183 |
T+2 to T+3 |
Via partners |
Yes |
| Stripe |
2.9% + AED 1 |
None |
T+2 |
Stripe Terminal / Tap to Pay iPhone |
Yes |
| Mamo |
2.9% + AED 1 |
AED 0 or 399 |
T+1 |
Mamo Terminal |
Yes |
| Ziina |
Flat per-transaction (CBUAE-licensed) |
Varies by plan |
T+1 to T+2 |
QR + Tap to Pay |
Yes |
All rates shown are published standard rates as of June 2026. Negotiated rates for restaurants processing over AED 50,000/month can be materially lower.
Network International N-Genius: The In-Person Standard
Network International is the UAE’s largest payment infrastructure company, with deep integration into Emirates NBD, FAB, and ADCB’s card-issuing systems. Their N-Genius terminal is the most widely deployed card-present device in UAE restaurants, accepting contactless Visa, Mastercard, Mada, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, AliPay, and WeChat Pay. Network also offers N-Genius One — an iOS app that turns any iPhone into a Tap to Pay terminal, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware in pop-ups or catering settings. Settlement is typically T+1 to T+2. Enterprise contracts are negotiated individually; expect a setup cost of AED 1,000–5,000 and a two-to-four-week onboarding timeline.
Telr: SME-Friendly with Local Support
Founded in the UAE, Telr is particularly popular among independent restaurants and cafés. The standard rate is 2.49% + AED 0.50 per transaction on UAE-issued cards. Monthly plans range from AED 99 (Starter) to AED 349 (Pro), and onboarding typically takes five to ten days. Telr supports Mada cards (important for customers banking with Saudi or UAE debit-linked accounts) and all major digital wallets. Settlement runs T+2 to T+3.
Tap Payments: GCC-Wide Coverage
Tap Payments charges a flat 2.75% on UAE card transactions with no monthly fee at standard tier — straightforward pricing that appeals to multi-outlet operators. However, the effective all-in cost rises to 3.15–3.55% once FX margins (0.5–1% for AED settlement) and payout transfer fees (~AED 5 per transfer) are accounted for. Standard settlement is T+3; high-volume merchants above approximately USD 1 million monthly can negotiate T+1. Tap’s GoSell product provides a light in-person POS capability. A single Tap account covers the full GCC, which is useful for restaurant groups with outlets across the region.
PayTabs: Hosted-Page Simplicity
PayTabs charges 2.85% + AED 0.27 per UAE card transaction, with low or no monthly fees depending on plan tier. Its hosted payment page approach means minimal development work for restaurants launching online ordering or delivery checkout — the payment form is served from PayTabs’ PCI-DSS-certified environment, keeping restaurants at the lightest compliance level (SAQ A). Settlement is T+2 to T+3. PayTabs also supports Mada, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Stripe: Developer-First, Fast Onboarding
Stripe entered the UAE market and has gained traction with tech-forward restaurant groups running custom delivery apps or websites. The rate is 2.9% + AED 1 per successful card charge, with no monthly fee and no setup cost. Onboarding for most UAE LLCs takes 24–48 hours — the fastest among major providers. Stripe Terminal supports physical card readers and Tap to Pay on iPhone. One limitation: Stripe does not currently support Mada debit cards, which means some UAE customers (particularly those with ADCB, FAB, or RAK Bank Mada-linked accounts) may face card declines.
Mamo and Ziina: Lean Alternatives
Mamo (formerly MamoPay) offers T+1 settlement — the fastest standard settlement among UAE gateways — at 2.9% + AED 1, with both a free plan and an AED 399/month plan for volume users. It suits small restaurants or cloud kitchens that prioritise fast cash flow. Ziina is a CBUAE-licensed fintech offering payment links, QR codes, and tap-to-pay functionality with funds typically arriving within one to two business days. Ziina is a simpler product suited to counter-service or pop-up concepts rather than complex integrations. Both platforms are PCI-DSS compliant. For cloud kitchen payment setup as part of a wider launch, see the Make My Restaurant cloud kitchen setup service.
Understanding MDR: What Card Processing Really Costs a UAE Restaurant
The Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is the percentage of each transaction your payment provider deducts before settling funds to you. For UAE restaurants in 2026, the realistic all-in range is 1.8–3.5% per transaction, with the average for SME restaurants sitting around 2.5–3.0% plus a small fixed fee.
What Drives Your Rate
- Card-present vs card-not-present: In-person contactless transactions carry lower interchange rates (debit card in-person interchange is capped at approximately 0.75% domestically) than online card-not-present transactions (domestic online debit around 1.0%). This lower interchange feeds through to lower MDR if you negotiate a pass-through pricing model.
- Card type: Premium Visa/Mastercard credit cards attract higher interchange than standard debit. International cards carry a further 1.5–3.9% premium over domestic rates.
- Volume: Restaurants processing over AED 50,000/month gain meaningful negotiating power. At AED 150,000+/month, expect to shave 0.3–0.8 percentage points off standard rates by going direct to a bank acquirer.
- Industry classification: Hospitality and food service are classified as medium-risk by UAE acquirers, typically landing between 2.0–3.5%.
- Chargeback history: Frequent chargebacks (disputed transactions) push rates up. Each chargeback also incurs a flat fee of AED 75–150 per instance.
Hidden Fees to Watch
Beyond the MDR headline, watch for: monthly minimum fees (common in bank-direct contracts), setup or integration fees (AED 0–6,000 depending on provider), FX conversion margins on international card settlements, payout transfer fees, and statement or PCI compliance fees. A gateway charging 2.49% with AED 349/month in fees may cost more than a 2.75% no-monthly-fee alternative at lower volumes — always model your actual expected monthly transaction count before signing.
Understanding payment gateway costs is closely tied to your full restaurant financial model. Our restaurant accounting and bookkeeping guide covers how to track and reconcile these fees in your books.
In-Store Card Terminals vs Online Payment Checkout
UAE restaurants typically need payment acceptance in two distinct contexts: at the point of sale (dine-in or counter service) and online (delivery platforms, direct-order websites, or WhatsApp-linked payment links).
In-Store: Card Terminals and Contactless
For dine-in and counter service, the dominant hardware choice in UAE restaurants is the Network International N-Genius terminal or equivalent bank-supplied POS terminal, connected to the acquirer over 4G or Wi-Fi. All current UAE terminals support:
- Contactless Visa and Mastercard (tap-and-go up to AED 500 without PIN in most configurations)
- Apple Pay and Samsung Pay (via NFC)
- Google Pay
- AliPay and WeChat Pay (relevant for hospitality venues serving Chinese tourists)
- Mada debit cards (Saudi Arabia-linked, but also used for UAE co-branded cards)
Contactless payment adoption in UAE restaurants is extremely high — the UAE has one of the world’s highest contactless usage rates, with the majority of in-person transactions in hospitality now tap-based rather than chip-and-PIN. Offering contactless is no longer optional; it is the expected default.
Online: Delivery Checkout and Website Orders
Restaurants with direct online ordering — whether through a custom website, a WhatsApp Business catalogue, or an ordering app — need a hosted payment page or embedded checkout. Providers like Telr, PayTabs, and Tap Payments offer ready-made hosted payment pages that require minimal development work. Stripe and Checkout.com offer more developer-flexible embedded SDKs for custom-built apps.
A critical distinction: if you take orders through Talabat, Deliveroo UAE, or Noon Food, those platforms handle payment processing on your behalf — you do not need your own gateway for those channels. You do need your own gateway for your direct ordering channel. Understanding the economics of delivery app commissions in the UAE helps you model the margin difference between platform orders and direct-gateway orders.
PCI-DSS Compliance for UAE Restaurants
PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a mandatory global security framework for any entity that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data. All UAE restaurants accepting card payments are obligated to comply — but the compliance burden varies significantly based on how you integrate your payment solution.
Compliance Levels That Apply to Most Restaurants
- SAQ A (Self-Assessment Questionnaire A): The lightest level, applicable when you use a fully hosted payment page — your website or app never touches raw card data. Telr, PayTabs, and Tap’s hosted pages qualify most restaurants for SAQ A. This involves a self-completed annual questionnaire and quarterly network scans.
- SAQ B / SAQ B-IP: Applies if you use a standalone POS terminal that connects directly to the processor without your own network routing card data. Most N-Genius terminal users fall here.
- SAQ D: Required if you store any cardholder data yourself — avoid this unless you have dedicated security infrastructure.
For most UAE restaurants, using a certified hosted payment page or a bank-supplied terminal keeps compliance manageable. Never store raw card numbers or CVV codes — this is prohibited under PCI-DSS regardless of level, and UAE acquirers can terminate your merchant account for violations.
All providers listed in this guide (Network International, Telr, Tap, PayTabs, Stripe, Mamo, Ziina) are PCI-DSS Level 1 certified at the gateway level, meaning their infrastructure meets the highest standard. Your obligation is to ensure your integration method does not undermine that certification.
Settlement Times: When Does the Money Hit Your Account?
Settlement time — how long between a customer paying and funds appearing in your UAE bank account — matters for restaurant cash flow, particularly for high-volume operators paying weekly supplier invoices. The current landscape in 2026:
- T+1: Mamo (standard), Network International (enterprise contracts), Tap Payments (high-volume negotiated). Next business day settlement is increasingly available but typically requires either volume commitments or a premium plan.
- T+2: Network International (standard contracts), Stripe, Checkout.com. The most common settlement window for well-established operators.
- T+2 to T+3: Telr, PayTabs. Adequate for most restaurants but worth factoring into cash-flow planning.
- T+3 (standard) / T+1 (negotiated): Tap Payments. Note that Tap settles in USD by default — configure AED settlement to avoid FX conversion margin.
Weekends and UAE public holidays extend effective settlement. A transaction processed on a Thursday may not settle until Sunday or Monday under T+2 terms. Restaurants that run tight on Thursday-to-Monday liquidity should prioritise T+1-capable providers or negotiate early settlement in their contract. Opening the right bank account matters too — see our guide to opening a restaurant business bank account in the UAE.
Choosing the Right Setup for Your UAE Restaurant
There is no single correct answer — the right payment gateway depends on your restaurant type, volume, and operational complexity. Use the following as a starting framework:
- New independent restaurant or café (under AED 50,000/month): Telr or Tap Payments — fast onboarding, predictable fees, no large setup cost. Add an N-Genius terminal via your bank for in-person.
- Cloud kitchen or delivery-first concept: Stripe or PayTabs for online checkout; integrate your direct ordering website rather than paying 15–30% commissions exclusively through aggregators.
- Multi-outlet restaurant group (AED 150,000+/month): Negotiate direct with Network International or Magnati for a bespoke MDR — the volume justifies the two-to-four-week onboarding and monthly minimum fees.
- GCC expansion: Tap Payments offers a single account across all six GCC countries, avoiding separate gateway agreements per market.
- High-footfall tourist venue: Prioritise a provider with AliPay and WeChat Pay support (Network International N-Genius is the strongest here) given UAE tourism volumes.
For an end-to-end view of all operational services a UAE restaurant needs from day one, browse the Make My Restaurant full services overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical payment gateway fee for a UAE restaurant?
UAE restaurant payment gateway fees typically run 2.49%–2.9% of each transaction plus a fixed fee of AED 0.27–1.00, with monthly plan costs of AED 0–349. Restaurants processing above AED 50,000/month can often negotiate lower rates directly with their bank acquirer.
Do UAE restaurants need to be PCI-DSS compliant?
Yes. Any UAE restaurant accepting card payments must comply with PCI-DSS. In practice, using a certified hosted payment page from Telr, PayTabs, or Tap Payments qualifies most restaurants for SAQ A — the lightest self-assessment level — avoiding costly audits.
What is the difference between a payment gateway and a POS system?
A POS system manages orders, tables, kitchen tickets, and receipts. A payment gateway is the separate technology — and usually a separate contract — that authorises card transactions and moves money to your bank. UAE restaurants need both; the fees are charged independently by different providers.
How quickly do UAE payment gateways settle funds?
Settlement times range from T+1 (next business day — Mamo, Network International enterprise) to T+3 (Tap Payments standard). Most UAE restaurant operators experience T+2 settlement. UAE weekends (Friday–Saturday) and public holidays extend settlement timelines.
Do UAE card terminals support Apple Pay and Samsung Pay?
Yes — all current UAE restaurant card terminals, including the Network International N-Genius range, support Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay via NFC contactless. Contactless payments now account for the majority of in-person transactions in UAE hospitality; ensuring your terminal is contactless-enabled is non-negotiable.
Related guide: This article is part of our complete restaurant marketing guide.
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What Is a Restaurant Payment Gateway in the UAE?
A restaurant payment gateway in the UAE is the technology layer that authorises and routes card or digital-wallet transactions between your customer’s bank and your merchant account — distinct from your POS software, which manages orders and receipts. Restaurants in the UAE need both: a POS system for order management and a separately contracted payment gateway or merchant acquirer to actually move the money.
In the UAE, payment infrastructure sits under two regulatory bodies: the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), which licenses acquirers and payment service providers under the Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes Regulation, and — for DIFC or ADGM-licensed entities — the DFSA or FSRA. Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025 expanded this perimeter significantly; unlicensed payment processing is now a criminal offence carrying fines up to AED 500 million. Every provider listed in this guide holds the relevant CBUAE or emirate-level licence.
For restaurant owners, the practical distinction is this: your POS vendor is not your payment processor. You will sign separate agreements — one with your POS software company and one with a payment gateway or bank acquirer — and the fees are charged independently.
Merchant Account vs Payment Gateway: What Restaurants Actually Need
UAE restaurants need both a merchant account (held at an acquiring bank to receive settlement funds) and a payment gateway (the encrypted channel that transmits transaction data). Some providers bundle both; others require you to arrange the acquiring relationship separately.
The acquiring bank is the institution that underwrites your ability to accept card payments. In the UAE the dominant acquirers are Network International (the largest independent acquirer, processing for Emirates NBD, FAB and others), Magnati (a ADCB spin-off serving government and enterprise), and Mashreq. When you sign up with a gateway like Telr or PayTabs, they act as a payment facilitator sitting on top of one of these acquiring relationships — simplifying your onboarding in exchange for a slightly higher MDR than you would negotiate directly with the bank.
Restaurants with high monthly volumes (above AED 150,000–200,000 per month) often benefit from going direct to a bank acquirer for a lower bespoke MDR, accepting the longer onboarding timeline of two to four weeks and potential monthly minimum fees. Smaller or newer restaurants typically start with a gateway-as-facilitator model for faster approval and predictable per-transaction pricing.
If you are setting up a new UAE restaurant and navigating these decisions alongside trade licences and supplier agreements, the Make My Restaurant F&B business setup package can coordinate payment infrastructure alongside your full launch.
UAE Payment Gateway Providers: Side-by-Side Comparison
Six providers dominate UAE restaurant payment processing in 2026, each with different strengths on cost, onboarding speed, and in-person versus online capability. The table below shows published standard rates; actual rates are negotiable at volume.
All rates shown are published standard rates as of June 2026. Negotiated rates for restaurants processing over AED 50,000/month can be materially lower.
Network International N-Genius: The In-Person Standard
Network International is the UAE’s largest payment infrastructure company, with deep integration into Emirates NBD, FAB, and ADCB’s card-issuing systems. Their N-Genius terminal is the most widely deployed card-present device in UAE restaurants, accepting contactless Visa, Mastercard, Mada, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, AliPay, and WeChat Pay. Network also offers N-Genius One — an iOS app that turns any iPhone into a Tap to Pay terminal, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware in pop-ups or catering settings. Settlement is typically T+1 to T+2. Enterprise contracts are negotiated individually; expect a setup cost of AED 1,000–5,000 and a two-to-four-week onboarding timeline.
Telr: SME-Friendly with Local Support
Founded in the UAE, Telr is particularly popular among independent restaurants and cafés. The standard rate is 2.49% + AED 0.50 per transaction on UAE-issued cards. Monthly plans range from AED 99 (Starter) to AED 349 (Pro), and onboarding typically takes five to ten days. Telr supports Mada cards (important for customers banking with Saudi or UAE debit-linked accounts) and all major digital wallets. Settlement runs T+2 to T+3.
Tap Payments: GCC-Wide Coverage
Tap Payments charges a flat 2.75% on UAE card transactions with no monthly fee at standard tier — straightforward pricing that appeals to multi-outlet operators. However, the effective all-in cost rises to 3.15–3.55% once FX margins (0.5–1% for AED settlement) and payout transfer fees (~AED 5 per transfer) are accounted for. Standard settlement is T+3; high-volume merchants above approximately USD 1 million monthly can negotiate T+1. Tap’s GoSell product provides a light in-person POS capability. A single Tap account covers the full GCC, which is useful for restaurant groups with outlets across the region.
PayTabs: Hosted-Page Simplicity
PayTabs charges 2.85% + AED 0.27 per UAE card transaction, with low or no monthly fees depending on plan tier. Its hosted payment page approach means minimal development work for restaurants launching online ordering or delivery checkout — the payment form is served from PayTabs’ PCI-DSS-certified environment, keeping restaurants at the lightest compliance level (SAQ A). Settlement is T+2 to T+3. PayTabs also supports Mada, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Stripe: Developer-First, Fast Onboarding
Stripe entered the UAE market and has gained traction with tech-forward restaurant groups running custom delivery apps or websites. The rate is 2.9% + AED 1 per successful card charge, with no monthly fee and no setup cost. Onboarding for most UAE LLCs takes 24–48 hours — the fastest among major providers. Stripe Terminal supports physical card readers and Tap to Pay on iPhone. One limitation: Stripe does not currently support Mada debit cards, which means some UAE customers (particularly those with ADCB, FAB, or RAK Bank Mada-linked accounts) may face card declines.
Mamo and Ziina: Lean Alternatives
Mamo (formerly MamoPay) offers T+1 settlement — the fastest standard settlement among UAE gateways — at 2.9% + AED 1, with both a free plan and an AED 399/month plan for volume users. It suits small restaurants or cloud kitchens that prioritise fast cash flow. Ziina is a CBUAE-licensed fintech offering payment links, QR codes, and tap-to-pay functionality with funds typically arriving within one to two business days. Ziina is a simpler product suited to counter-service or pop-up concepts rather than complex integrations. Both platforms are PCI-DSS compliant. For cloud kitchen payment setup as part of a wider launch, see the Make My Restaurant cloud kitchen setup service.
Understanding MDR: What Card Processing Really Costs a UAE Restaurant
The Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is the percentage of each transaction your payment provider deducts before settling funds to you. For UAE restaurants in 2026, the realistic all-in range is 1.8–3.5% per transaction, with the average for SME restaurants sitting around 2.5–3.0% plus a small fixed fee.
What Drives Your Rate
Hidden Fees to Watch
Beyond the MDR headline, watch for: monthly minimum fees (common in bank-direct contracts), setup or integration fees (AED 0–6,000 depending on provider), FX conversion margins on international card settlements, payout transfer fees, and statement or PCI compliance fees. A gateway charging 2.49% with AED 349/month in fees may cost more than a 2.75% no-monthly-fee alternative at lower volumes — always model your actual expected monthly transaction count before signing.
Understanding payment gateway costs is closely tied to your full restaurant financial model. Our restaurant accounting and bookkeeping guide covers how to track and reconcile these fees in your books.
In-Store Card Terminals vs Online Payment Checkout
UAE restaurants typically need payment acceptance in two distinct contexts: at the point of sale (dine-in or counter service) and online (delivery platforms, direct-order websites, or WhatsApp-linked payment links).
In-Store: Card Terminals and Contactless
For dine-in and counter service, the dominant hardware choice in UAE restaurants is the Network International N-Genius terminal or equivalent bank-supplied POS terminal, connected to the acquirer over 4G or Wi-Fi. All current UAE terminals support:
Contactless payment adoption in UAE restaurants is extremely high — the UAE has one of the world’s highest contactless usage rates, with the majority of in-person transactions in hospitality now tap-based rather than chip-and-PIN. Offering contactless is no longer optional; it is the expected default.
Online: Delivery Checkout and Website Orders
Restaurants with direct online ordering — whether through a custom website, a WhatsApp Business catalogue, or an ordering app — need a hosted payment page or embedded checkout. Providers like Telr, PayTabs, and Tap Payments offer ready-made hosted payment pages that require minimal development work. Stripe and Checkout.com offer more developer-flexible embedded SDKs for custom-built apps.
A critical distinction: if you take orders through Talabat, Deliveroo UAE, or Noon Food, those platforms handle payment processing on your behalf — you do not need your own gateway for those channels. You do need your own gateway for your direct ordering channel. Understanding the economics of delivery app commissions in the UAE helps you model the margin difference between platform orders and direct-gateway orders.
PCI-DSS Compliance for UAE Restaurants
PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a mandatory global security framework for any entity that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data. All UAE restaurants accepting card payments are obligated to comply — but the compliance burden varies significantly based on how you integrate your payment solution.
Compliance Levels That Apply to Most Restaurants
For most UAE restaurants, using a certified hosted payment page or a bank-supplied terminal keeps compliance manageable. Never store raw card numbers or CVV codes — this is prohibited under PCI-DSS regardless of level, and UAE acquirers can terminate your merchant account for violations.
All providers listed in this guide (Network International, Telr, Tap, PayTabs, Stripe, Mamo, Ziina) are PCI-DSS Level 1 certified at the gateway level, meaning their infrastructure meets the highest standard. Your obligation is to ensure your integration method does not undermine that certification.
Settlement Times: When Does the Money Hit Your Account?
Settlement time — how long between a customer paying and funds appearing in your UAE bank account — matters for restaurant cash flow, particularly for high-volume operators paying weekly supplier invoices. The current landscape in 2026:
Weekends and UAE public holidays extend effective settlement. A transaction processed on a Thursday may not settle until Sunday or Monday under T+2 terms. Restaurants that run tight on Thursday-to-Monday liquidity should prioritise T+1-capable providers or negotiate early settlement in their contract. Opening the right bank account matters too — see our guide to opening a restaurant business bank account in the UAE.
Choosing the Right Setup for Your UAE Restaurant
There is no single correct answer — the right payment gateway depends on your restaurant type, volume, and operational complexity. Use the following as a starting framework:
For an end-to-end view of all operational services a UAE restaurant needs from day one, browse the Make My Restaurant full services overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical payment gateway fee for a UAE restaurant?
UAE restaurant payment gateway fees typically run 2.49%–2.9% of each transaction plus a fixed fee of AED 0.27–1.00, with monthly plan costs of AED 0–349. Restaurants processing above AED 50,000/month can often negotiate lower rates directly with their bank acquirer.
Do UAE restaurants need to be PCI-DSS compliant?
Yes. Any UAE restaurant accepting card payments must comply with PCI-DSS. In practice, using a certified hosted payment page from Telr, PayTabs, or Tap Payments qualifies most restaurants for SAQ A — the lightest self-assessment level — avoiding costly audits.
What is the difference between a payment gateway and a POS system?
A POS system manages orders, tables, kitchen tickets, and receipts. A payment gateway is the separate technology — and usually a separate contract — that authorises card transactions and moves money to your bank. UAE restaurants need both; the fees are charged independently by different providers.
How quickly do UAE payment gateways settle funds?
Settlement times range from T+1 (next business day — Mamo, Network International enterprise) to T+3 (Tap Payments standard). Most UAE restaurant operators experience T+2 settlement. UAE weekends (Friday–Saturday) and public holidays extend settlement timelines.
Do UAE card terminals support Apple Pay and Samsung Pay?
Yes — all current UAE restaurant card terminals, including the Network International N-Genius range, support Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay via NFC contactless. Contactless payments now account for the majority of in-person transactions in UAE hospitality; ensuring your terminal is contactless-enabled is non-negotiable.
Related guide: This article is part of our complete restaurant marketing guide.
Make My Restaurant is a UAE-based turnkey restaurant-services company — design, fit-out, MEP, compliance, cleaning and back-office support across all seven emirates.