Why Payment Gateways Matter for Shopify in Dubai

Running a Shopify store in Dubai is exciting, but without a reliable payment gateway, it can feel like driving without fuel. A payment gateway acts as a bridge between your Shopify store and your customers’ wallets, enabling secure online transactions in AED and other currencies.

Dubai’s eCommerce market is booming. According to Statista, UAE eCommerce revenue is expected to cross $10 billion by 2025. So, choosing the right payment gateway in Dubai to integrate with Shopify is crucial if you want to stay competitive.

What to Look for in a Shopify-Compatible Payment Gateway in the UAE

Before diving into the top providers, here’s what you should consider:

• Shopify compatibility: Direct integration or available plugin.
  
• Currency support: AED is a must; global currencies are a bonus.
  
• Transaction fees: Watch for hidden charges.
  
• Payout speed: T+1 or T+3 makes a big difference.
  
• Customer support: Local, bilingual support is gold.
  
• Mobile payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and wallets.
  

1. Stripe – The Global Favorite Now in Dubai

Stripe is finally available in the UAE! It’s one of the most developer-friendly and globally recognized payment gateways around.

Pros of Using Stripe with Shopify

• Clean and instant Shopify integration.
  
• Support for 130+ currencies.
  
• Mobile-first payment experience (Apple Pay, Google Pay).
  
• Built-in fraud protection.
  

Pricing & Integration Details

• Fees: ~2.9% + AED 1.00 per transaction.
  
• Payouts: 3–7 days, depends on verification.
  
• Setup: Easy with Shopify’s native Stripe connector.
  

2. Telr – UAE’s Local Gateway with Broad Support

Telr is a UAE-based gateway built for the Middle East’s diverse payment ecosystem.

Features of Telr for Shopify Merchants

• Support for Mada, SADAD, STC Pay, Apple Pay.
  
• Arabic interface for regional customers.
  
• Dashboard includes invoicing and reporting.
  

Pricing Structure & Setup Requirements

• Monthly Fee: starting From AED 349.
  
• Transaction Fee: ~0–2.7%.
  
• Requires UAE trade license and company bank account.
  

3. PayTabs – Trusted & UAE-Centric for Shopify

PayTabs is another excellent local option. It’s known for its robust fraud prevention tools and high success rate on regional cards.

Why Shopify Stores in Dubai Love PayTabs

• Accepts 160+ currencies.
  
• Easy plugin for Shopify setup.
  
• Works with major UAE banks.
  

Fees, Setup Time, and Integration Flow

• Fees: 2.85% + AED 1 per transaction.
  
• Setup typically takes 3–5 business days.
  
• Strong customer support for onboarding.
  

4. Amazon Payment Services – Secure and Scalable

Formerly known as PayFort, Amazon PS is a powerhouse in the UAE market.

Benefits for Growing Shopify Businesses

• Trusted Amazon ecosystem.
  
• Installment support for UAE shoppers.
  
• Local partnerships with Emirates NBD, ADIB.
  

Supported Features & Local Banks

• Credit card, debit card, and BNPL support.
  
• API and plugin-based integration with Shopify.
  

5. Checkout.com – For High-Volume Shopify Stores

If your Shopify store processes high transaction volumes, Checkout.com is a serious contender.

Who Should Use Checkout.com in Dubai?

• Businesses with large monthly volumes.
  
• Global reach and local acquiring in the UAE.
  

Transaction Fees & Support Options

• Fees vary; custom plans for enterprises.
  
• Dedicated account managers and 24/7 support.
  

6. 2Checkout (Verifone) – Reliable for Cross-Border Sales

Ideal for international Shopify stores based in Dubai.

Global Reach Meets Shopify Integration

• Accepts over 100 currencies.
  
• Great for SaaS, subscriptions, and digital goods.
  

Pricing and Suitability for UAE Businesses

• 3.5% + AED 1.28 per sale.
  
• Requires documentation like trade license and bank letter.
  

Other Notable Shopify Payment Gateways in UAE

Here are some alternatives worth considering:

• HyperPay: MENA-focused with 0.3% transaction fee.
  
• PayCaps: UAE-based, supports T+1 settlements.
  
• CCAvenue: Popular in India/UAE hybrid businesses.
  
• Cybersource: Visa-backed, secure but pricey (~3–4%).
  

Comparing Payment Gateways: Shopify UAE Fee Table

Shopify Payment Gateway Setup Requirements in Dubai

Before you can start accepting payments on your Shopify store in the UAE, there are a few essential steps to get right:

Do You Need a UAE Trade License?

Yes, almost all reputable payment gateways require a valid UAE trade license. This ensures your business is legal and compliant with local regulations. Here’s what most providers ask for:

• Valid UAE trade license
  
• Emirates ID (for verification)
  
• Corporate bank account under your trade name
  
• VAT certificate (optional but recommended)
  

Some international gateways like 2Checkout may allow you to operate with a Free Zone license, but it still depends on the issuing authority and type of service.

How to Apply for Merchant Accounts

Once you’ve selected your gateway:

1. Register on the provider’s website.
   
2. Upload required documents (license, ID, bank letter).
   
3. Wait for approval—usually takes 3–7 business days.
   
4. Install the gateway plugin on your Shopify store.
   
5. Test the payment flow in sandbox mode.
   
6. Go live and start accepting payments.
   

Always double-check your payment policies, refund terms, and privacy compliance when setting up.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid with Shopify Payment Integration

• Skipping proper KYC checks: Your account could get suspended if documents don’t match.
  
• Using personal accounts: Don’t try to use a personal Stripe or PayPal account for a business store.
  
• Delaying payouts: Make sure your bank info is verified to avoid payout delays.
  
• Currency confusion: Set your store currency to AED if you serve UAE customers.
  
• Not testing payment flow: Use sandbox/test mode before going live to avoid failed transactions.
  

FAQs: Payment Gate8

Conclusion

Choosing the best payment gateway in Dubai to integrate with Shopify depends on your business model, size, and customer base. Here’s a quick recommendation summary:

Dubai’s eCommerce future looks bright—and with the right gateway, you can ensure every sale is smooth, secure, and scalable.