Lack of Near Field Communication-enabled mobile phones, pay readers and SIM cards are delaying the commercial launch of NFC mobile payments in the UAE, according to operators. (Emirates Business)
Du was the first one to announce its joint NFC payments pilot project along with Dubai First last year. The pilot project was conducted in Dubai involving 250 customers selected from holders of the new, contactless Dubai First/Dubai Properties Group cobranded Platinum MasterCard. The card is currently available to residents of Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Residence. The commercial launch was scheduled this year.
Meanwhile, etisalat announced its NFC mobile payment trial during Gitex last year along with Emirates NBD, Gemalto and Visa. The partnership allowed Emirates NBD visa cardholders to purchase goods and services by using their etisalat contactless mobile phones.