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7 Ways PayTabs Is Making MENA Smarter About Money

Category: Global Events

7 Ways PayTabs Is Making MENA Smarter About Money

As April marks Financial Literacy Month, it’s an opportune time to highlight how PayTabs is fostering financial literacy across the MENA region. Through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, PayTabs is empowering individuals and businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the financial landscape. Here are seven notable initiatives:​

  1. Empowering Female Entrepreneurs through Social Commerce

PayTabs has been instrumental in supporting women-led businesses by providing end-to-end payment solutions that facilitate access to global markets. The acquisition of Paymes, a social commerce platform, has enabled women entrepreneurs, especially those running micro-businesses or home-based enterprises, to create customized online stores and sell products directly on social media platforms. This initiative not only promotes financial independence but also enhances digital literacy among women in the Levant and GCC regions. PayTabs has been instrumental in supporting women-led and home-based businesses by offering end-to-end payment solutions that ease entry into e-commerce.  With the launch of Reels Pay, PayTabs enables micro-merchants to sell directly via Instagram and other social media stores by sharing simple payment links. These tools have significantly boosted financial independence and literacy for freelancers and women entrepreneurs across the GCC, helping them build sustainable, digitally savvy businesses.

7 Ways PayTabs Is Making MENA Smarter About Money

  1. Digitizing Microfinance with Tanmeyah

In partnership with Tanmeyah, Egypt’s leading microfinance provider, PayTabs Egypt has digitized the loan collection process, making it more secure and efficient. This collaboration has improved financial inclusion by providing underserved communities with access to digital payment solutions, thereby promoting financial literacy and encouraging the adoption of cashless transactions.

  1. Enhancing Consumer Finance with Ollin

One of the significant hurdles in consumer finance across MENA is accessibility to seamless and efficient payment solutions. PayTabs’ collaboration with Ollin, Global Corp’s lifestyle financing platform in Egypt, seeks to redefine consumer finance management. Since its launch in 2022, Ollin has offered instalment plans across essential services such as auto loans, mortgages, education, healthcare, and travel. However, the challenge remains in providing a frictionless payment process for consumers. PayTabs Egypt’s collaboration with Ollin has simplified consumer access to installment-based financing. By embedding PayTabs’ payment solutions, Ollin users can manage purchases and repayments more efficiently. This digital transformation empowers users with tools for better financial planning and responsible budgeting. By integrating PayTabs’ state-of-the-art payment technology, this partnership ensures a secure, user-friendly payment journey, making financing more accessible and manageable. This initiative empowers consumers with enhanced digital tools, minimizing financial constraints and simplifying repayment. Empowering Investors with Seamless Payment Solutions.

  1. Streamlining SME Finance Management with NuMetric

In Jordan, PayTabs has partnered with NuMetric, a cloud-based financial automation provider, to streamline invoicing and payments for SMEs. This integration allows small business owners to issue invoices and accept payments easily, automating cash flow processes and promoting financial discipline and literacy in the entrepreneurial sector. The partnership with NuMetric is a strategic move that aligns PayTabs with a growing need for streamlined financial management solutions. By integrating PayTabs’ payment orchestration platform into NuMetric’s accounting technology, the company enhances online invoice collection and automation. This seamless user experience not only strengthens customer retention but also positions PayTabs as an indispensable solution for SMEs.

  1. Driving Contactless Transactions with NearPay

PayTabs has teamed up with NearPay in Jordan to enable Tap-to-Phone functionality, allowing merchants to accept contactless payments using just their smartphones. This technology reduces the need for expensive point-of-sale hardware and brings digital payment literacy to a broader segment of small vendors, freelancers, and gig workers—enhancing their ability to participate in the formal economy.

  1. Empowering Digital Commerce with Security-First Solutions

PayTabs’ alliance with Digital Haze is set to transform digital transactions by integrating cybersecurity expertise with an advanced payment orchestration platform. As businesses in the Levant region embrace digital transformation, security remains a top concern. Digital Haze, with its 25+ years of experience in cybersecurity and digital financial services, will help SMEs and enterprises navigate security challenges while leveraging PayTabs’ secure and scalable payment infrastructure. This collaboration aligns with the leadership philosophy that fintech growth must be accompanied by robust risk management strategies. By merging data-driven insights with secure digital payment solutions, the partnership aims to empower businesses to scale operations without compromising security and compliance.

  1. Powering smarter payments in Kuwait

Recognizing the need for innovative solutions, Kuwait International Bank (KIB) has partnered with PayTabs Kuwait to provide businesses with a comprehensive digital payment system. Through this partnership, merchants gain access to secure and user-friendly payment gateways that simplify transactions and settlements, enhancing customer satisfaction. Additionally, a referral program directs merchants to KIB’s tailored banking solutions, empowering businesses with advanced financial tools.

Across MENA, PayTabs continues to collaborate with financial institutions and fintech startups to bridge gaps in access to secure digital payments. These partnerships, products and tools help cultivate a more inclusive financial ecosystem, providing both education and tools for better money management.

The Data Behind Happiness

Every year, the International Day of Happiness reminds us of the importance of joy and well-being in our lives. But did you know that happiness also plays a significant role in consumer behavior, especially when it comes to payments? From fast checkouts to secure transactions and flexible payment options, the way we pay directly impacts our satisfaction and emotional well-being.

In this blog, we’ll explore the data behind happiness and how speed, security, and choice in payments influence consumer satisfaction. Plus, we’ll break down how these factors shape spending habits in MENA, APAC, and Western markets.

The Data Behind Happiness

Speed = Satisfaction

In today’s fast-paced world, consumers expect instant gratification. Slow payment processes can be a major turnoff, leading to abandoned carts and lost sales.

  • Research shows that 17% of consumers abandon their carts due to slow checkouts.
  • Studies indicate that faster payment processing increases repeat purchases by 30%.

A seamless checkout experience not only boosts conversions but also leaves customers feeling satisfied and more likely to return. PayTabs’ payment solutions are designed to deliver lightning-fast transactions, ensuring your customers never face unnecessary delays.

Security & Trust

Payment security is a top concern for consumers, and anxiety around fraud can significantly impact purchase behavior.

  • 68% of consumers feel anxious about payment security, with many abandoning purchases if they don’t trust the payment process.
  • Fraud prevention measures like tokenization and encryption are critical in building trust and loyalty.

PayTabs prioritizes security with advanced fraud prevention tools, ensuring every transaction is safe and secure. By offering a trusted payment environment, businesses can foster long-term customer relationships and drive repeat purchases.

The Power of Payment Choice

Consumers love having options, and payment methods are no exception. Offering a variety of payment choices can significantly boost satisfaction and conversions.

  • 56% of consumers are more likely to complete a purchase when offered their preferred payment method.
  • Alternative payment options like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and digital wallets are reshaping spending habits, especially among younger consumers.

PayTabs supports a wide range of payment methods, from credit cards to digital wallets and BNPL options, ensuring your customers can pay how they want. Explore PayTabs’ payment methods to see how we can help you cater to diverse customer preferences.

Emotional Spending & Impulse Buys

Happiness and emotions often drive purchasing decisions, and a smooth payment journey can amplify these feelings.

  • 85% of purchases are driven by emotion, making it essential to reduce friction at checkout.
  • The science of dopamine shows that frictionless checkouts create a sense of reward, encouraging impulse buys and repeat purchases.

By streamlining the payment process, businesses can tap into the emotional side of spending, driving higher conversions and customer satisfaction.

Happiness-Driven Payment Behaviors Across Regions

MENA

In the MENA region, digital transformation is rapidly changing payment behaviors. Consumers value fast, secure, and flexible payment options, with a growing preference for mobile wallets and BNPL solutions.

APAC

APAC leads the way in digital payments, with consumers embracing innovative solutions like QR codes and super apps. Speed and convenience are key drivers of satisfaction in this tech-savvy market.

Western Markets

In Western markets, security and choice are paramount. Consumers expect a wide range of payment options, including credit cards, digital wallets, and BNPL, alongside robust fraud prevention measures.

Happiness and satisfaction are deeply intertwined with the payment experience. By prioritizing speed, security, and choice, businesses can create a seamless checkout journey that delights customers and drives loyalty.

At PayTabs, we’re committed to helping businesses deliver happiness through innovative payment solutions. Whether you’re operating in MENA, APAC, or Western markets, our platform ensures fast, secure, and flexible transactions tailored to your customers’ needs.

Ready to boost customer satisfaction and drive conversions? Explore PayTabs’ payment methods today and see how we can help you create a happier payment experience.

Women Breaking Barriers in the Payments Industry

Women Breaking Barriers in the Payments Industry

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, it is important to reflect on the achievements of women in the payments industry while also acknowledging the work that remains to be done. Women in the MENA region are breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and reshaping the payments landscape, creating a more inclusive and diverse future for all.

With the continued support of initiatives that promote female entrepreneurship, mentorship, and leadership development, women in the MENA region will continue to make strides in the payments industry, leading the charge towards innovation, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment. The future is bright, and it is powered by women. Let’s see how.

A New Wave of Female Leaders in Payments

For years, the payment sector has been predominantly male-dominated, with leadership roles and innovation largely attributed to men. However, the past decade has witnessed a dramatic shift as women entrepreneurs across the Levant and GCC region are emerging as pivotal players in the fintech space. These women are not just participating—they are leading, innovating, and pioneering change in ways that are reshaping the payment ecosystem.

In 2025-2026, more women are establishing themselves as founders, investors, CEOs, and tech experts, playing key roles in the development of new digital payment solutions. Whether it’s through launching fintech startups, AI, and digital wallets, women in the region are revolutionizing how payments are made, ensuring that these innovations are more secure, efficient, and inclusive.

Innovation in Payment Solutions: Women Leading the Charge

One of the most notable aspects of women’s increasing role in the payments sector is their focus on user-centric innovation. Women-led startups and established companies are introducing solutions that prioritize the user experience, making digital payments accessible to people of all backgrounds. From creating seamless and secure payment gateways to launching social commerce platforms that connect sellers with buyers on platforms like Instagram shopping, Facebook and Pinterest women entrepreneurs are paving the way for a more connected and globalized economy.

PayTabs, a prominent name in the payment gateway industry, is empowering women entrepreneurs by providing end-to-end solutions that allow businesses to accept payments in multiple currencies, giving them access to global markets. The ability to do this through a single API is a game-changer for women, particularly those running micro-businesses or home-based enterprises.

Championing Female Entrepreneurs: PayTabs’ Role in Building an Inclusive Future

PayTabs has been a long-time advocate for women’s empowerment in the fintech space, actively working to bridge the gender gap that has historically existed in this sector. With its acquisition of Paymes, the largest social commerce platform in Turkey, PayTabs has opened new doors for female entrepreneurs across the Levant and GCC region. The platform allows women to create their own customized online stores, enabling them to sell products directly to consumers on social media platforms.

This integration is particularly beneficial for women in the Levant and North Africa, many of whom operate micro-businesses that rely on social commerce. These women now have the tools to grow their businesses, reach global audiences, and receive instant payments, all without the need for expensive infrastructure or technical know-how.

PayTabs’ commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs is also reflected in its workforce, where a significant number of women hold leadership roles in technology, operations, and sales. This inclusive work environment is part of PayTabs’ broader goal to create a positive social impact by empowering women to lead and drive change.

A Transformative Impact on Gender Equality and Economic Growth

The rise of women in the payments sector goes hand-in-hand with a broader shift towards gender equality in the Levant and GCC region. Over the past few years, the gender gap in entrepreneurship has steadily narrowed. For example, in the UAE, women now make up 44% of the workforce, and 7.6% of all entrepreneurs in the country are women, as compared to 11.8% of men founders of businesses. This is a significant increase from previous years.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Empowerment and Innovation

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the trailblazing women in the payments industry in the MENA region. Their leadership, innovation, and resilience are transforming the financial landscape and paving the way for future generations of female entrepreneurs. Through collaboration, empowerment, and access to technology, women in the payments sector are shaping a future where there are no limits to what they can achieve.

At PayTabs, we remain committed to supporting women in their entrepreneurial journeys, providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed and continue contributing to the global economy. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive payments ecosystem—one led by women who are shaping the future of fintech.

A fresh take on Ramadan Shopping

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the Middle East and Levant braces itself for another season of spiritual reflection, fasting, and acts of charity. It’s also a time when shopping activity peaks, with people purchasing everything from clothing and home decor to groceries and gift baskets. For merchants, this surge in demand presents both an opportunity and a challenge. To capitalize on this, ensuring a smooth and seamless shopping experience for customers is essential to building trust, strengthening your brand, and encouraging repeat business. A crucial element of this experience is the checkout process, and that’s where having the right payment solution becomes vital. PayTabs provides just the right tool for this problem!

By integrating PayTabs into your online store or mobile app, you can provide your customers with various payment methods and currencies, enabling you to reach markets across the GCC and beyond. PayTabs’ advanced payment orchestration system ensures smooth transactions even during high volumes, enhancing payment acceptance rates and overall customer satisfaction. Let’s dive deeper into the common challenges merchants face during Ramadan and how payment gateways like PayTabs can alleviate these issues.

A fresh take on Ramadan Shopping

Common Challenges During Ramadan:

As consumer demand surges during the holy month, retailers face challenges with:

  1. Increased Traffic and Risk of Cart Abandonment:

During Ramadan, both online and offline stores experience a surge in shopping activity, especially during peak hours like after Iftar. For online retailers, high website traffic can lead to slow loading times or even crashes, causing potential customers to abandon their carts. In physical stores, long queues and crowded aisles can lead to frustrated customers who might decide to leave without making a purchase.

  1. Limited Payment Options:

Consumers today expect flexibility in payment methods. Retailers who offer only traditional payment options (like cash or cards) may lose customers. A lack of diverse payment methods can create friction in the shopping experience, particularly when dealing with international customers who might prefer different payment types.

  1. Delayed Fund Transfers and Payment Processing:

During Ramadan, banks may operate on limited hours or close during certain days, causing delays in fund transfers or payment processing for retailers. This can lead to cash flow issues, especially for merchants relying on fast payments to replenish stock and fulfill orders on time.

  1. Inefficient Inventory Management:

The demand for goods such as clothes, groceries, and electronics spikes during Ramadan. Retailers often struggle to keep up with inventory management due to the high volume of orders, especially if they do not have an integrated system for online and offline sales. This can result in stockouts or delays in fulfilling orders, negatively impacting customer satisfaction.

  1. Time-Sensitive Deliveries and Logistics:

With many shoppers purchasing gifts or items to be used for Ramadan meals or events, the timely delivery of goods becomes critical. Retailers face logistical challenges in meeting delivery deadlines during this busy period. For online retailers, ensuring on-time shipping becomes even more complex with increased demand, which can lead to dissatisfied customers if products arrive late, especially for Ramadan-specific events like Eid celebrations.

So, how can payment gateways reshape the Ramadan shopping experience for businesses in general?

Ecommerce: High Traffic and Demand:

Payment gateways like PayTabs can handle high volumes of transactions seamlessly, ensuring merchants don’t face disruptions during peak shopping times, especially during Ramadan evenings. Whether a merchant operates in retail, food services, or booking industries, payment gateways like PayTabs ensure smooth payment processing, even during rush hours when customer demand surges. By reducing cart abandonment and processing payments securely and quickly, these gateways help businesses scale up operations without worrying about technical hiccups, leading to increased customer satisfaction.

  1. Retail: Providing Diverse Payment Options and Multi-Currency Support:

During Ramadan, customers tend to make purchases at different times of day and from various locations, including international buyers. Payment gateways like PayTabs can transform the experience by offering multiple payment methods—credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and even Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options—catering to diverse customer preferences. Additionally, with support for multiple currencies, merchants can serve both local and international customers effortlessly. This flexibility ensures customers can shop without any payment barriers, enhancing their overall experience and boosting sales for the merchant. PayTabs can also alleviate another pain point for the merchant by integrating with inventory management systems, helping retailers keep track of orders and stock in real-time, reducing the risk of stockouts and improving order fulfillment efficiency.

  1. Streamlining Donations and Charitable Giving:

Charitable giving is central to Ramadan, and if you’re overseeing an Islamic center, mosque, or charitable trust, making it easy for people to donate—no matter their location—is key. With PayTabs, you can offer flexible payment options and track donations seamlessly through Flexible Payment Methods | PayTabs Payments. Plus, with support for multiple currencies, you’ll be able to accept contributions from across the globe. This digital capability ensures that more people can contribute during Ramadan, thus fostering a broader sense of community and philanthropy while increasing operational efficiency for these organizations.

  1. Food: Delayed Fund Transfers and Payment Processing

If you operate a restaurant, home delivery service, or grocery store, you’ll likely see a surge in demand during Ramadan. With Iftar and Suhoor meals being key highlights of the month, it’s crucial to have the best digital payment solutions to ensure you don’t miss a single customer. PayTabs, for example, can streamline the checkout process, reducing errors during peak times. You can also send invoices with PayLinks | Simplify Payments , allowing customers to pay conveniently via their mobile devices.

Payment gateways enable real-time payment processing, reducing delays in receiving funds. This ensures that businesses can manage cash flow efficiently, even with banks operating on limited hours during Ramadan.

  1. Transportation: Time-Sensitive Deliveries and Logistics

Payment gateways like PayTabs facilitate faster payment processing, enabling quicker order confirmations and better coordination with logistics partners to ensure timely deliveries during the high-demand Ramadan period.

Wishing you a prosperous Ramadan

Gear up for Ramadan 2025 by choosing PayTabs as your payment gateway provider. With easy onboarding and budget-friendly fees, you can start effortlessly. Offer your customers a seamless shopping experience that brings happiness and convenience across the Middle East and beyond.

Celebrate Saudi Founding Day with PayTabs

Saudi Founding Day is a time to honor the rich history, culture, and achievements of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As the nation celebrates its legacy, PayTabs is proud to support the vision of a thriving digital economy by empowering entrepreneurs like you to grow. This Founding Day, we’re offering an exclusive opportunity for aspiring ecommerce businesses in Saudi Arabia to take their first step toward success—with no monthly fees for 3 months!

Why Start Your Ecommerce Business This Saudi Founding Day?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship. With a growing number of consumers shifting to online shopping, there’s never been a better time to launch your ecommerce business. Whether you’re selling handmade crafts, fashion, electronics, or services, PayTabs  payments will help your business succeed.

Our limited-time offer is designed to give you a head start by removing one of the biggest barriers to entry—monthly fees. From 20 February 2025, to 2 March 2025, customers from Saudi Arabia who sign up for a Payment Gateway solution from PayTabs  can enjoy no monthly fees for the first 3 months.

What’s in the Offer?

Here’s how PayTabs can help you grow your ecommerce business:

  1. Start Your Ecommerce Business with No Monthly Fees
    Launch your online store without worrying about monthly costs. Focus on building your brand while we handle the payment processing.
  2. Grow Your Business with Our Ecommerce Payment Gateway Solutions
    Our secure and seamless payment solutions are designed to help you accept payments from customers worldwide, ensuring a smooth shopping experience. At PayTabs, we understand the unique needs of businesses in Saudi Arabia. That’s why we offer a wide range of payment methods tailored to your customers’ preferences. Whether your customers prefer paying with:
  • Credit and Debit Cards (mada cards, Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
  • Digital Wallets (Apple Pay, UR pay and more.)
  • Split Payment options (Tabby, Tamara)

We’ve got you covered. By offering these flexible payment options, you can cater to a broader audience and increase your sales.

3.Seamless Integrations to Simplify Your Business

Starting an ecommerce business can feel overwhelming, but PayTabs makes it easy. We offer plug-and-play integrations with popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and more. Whether you’re building your store from scratch or migrating an existing one, our tools ensure a smooth setup process.

Key Details of the Offer

  • Eligibility: This offer is only applicable for new Payment Gateway merchant sign-ups from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Offer Period: 20 February 2025, to 2 March 2025.
  • Fee Waiver: Monthly fees will be waived for 3 months for successful sign-ups during the offer period.
  • Terms and Conditions: All PayTabs terms and conditions apply. This offer does not include other fees payable to PayTabs.

How to Get Started

  1. Visit PayTabs and sign up for a new Payment Gateway account.
  2. Complete the registration process and start building your ecommerce store.
  3. Enjoy no monthly fees for the first 3 months and watch your business grow!

Questions?

If you have any questions about this exclusive offer, feel free to reach out to our team at [email protected].

Celebrate Saudi Founding Day with PayTabs

This Saudi Founding Day, take the leap and turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. With PayTabs’ payment gateway solutions and our limited-time offer, you can start, grow, and scale your ecommerce business with confidence.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate the Kingdom’s legacy by building your own success story. Sign up today and enjoy no monthly fees for 3 months!

Ready to start your ecommerce journey? Sign up with PayTabs today and take advantage of our exclusive Saudi Founding Day offer.