In the last year several new mobile payment facilities have been started in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), allowing its residents a choice of mobile payment options. Mobile payment schemes are offered by third parties, by the device manufacturers, banks and by mobile operators. They include NFC based schemes, SMS based options or using a phone number and PIN. As in other countries, this multitude of options may actually hamper the uptake, but with the government pushing for a cashless society it is likely to grow regardless.
Source: https://www.telecompaper.com/background/mobile-payments-options-expanding-for-uae-residents--1200541