Residents in the United Arab Emirates can now experience a revolutionary approach to digital payments with Mastercard's groundbreaking AI-powered solution that autonomously handles transactions. The financial technology giant has launched its innovative Agent Pay system in the UAE, marking its first international deployment outside the United States.
What is Mastercard Agent Pay?
Mastercard Agent Pay represents a significant leap forward in payment technology. This artificial intelligence-powered solution enables an AI agent to search for services, discover options, and complete transactions on behalf of users, frequently operating without direct human intervention during the purchase process. The system is designed to transform how consumers interact with digital commerce platforms.
The pilot program launched in partnership with retail conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim and financial technology company Dataiera. During the initial testing phase, users will be able to experience seamless booking of theater tickets at VOX Cinemas through the AI system, demonstrating the practical applications of this technology in everyday scenarios.
High-Profile Launch Event
The official launch ceremony witnessed participation from prominent figures across government and industry. Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications attended the event alongside Michael Miebach, CEO of Mastercard and Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding.
This collaboration signifies a powerful convergence of cutting-edge technology and retail innovation, further cementing the UAE's position as a global hub for artificial intelligence-driven solutions and digital transformation initiatives.
UAE's Ambitious AI Vision
Minister Omar Al Olama emphasized the UAE's strategic commitment to establishing itself as a global leader in adopting and implementing advanced technologies. Under the guidance of the nation's leadership, the UAE has positioned itself as a destination for initiatives that enhance quality of life, strengthen economic competitiveness, and elevate the country's status in global AI applications.
Key highlights from Al Olama's address include the UAE setting global benchmarks in AI adoption, simplifying daily life experiences, and advancing digital interactions. He identified AI-enabled payment solutions like Mastercard's Agent Pay as significant milestones for the nation's digital economy, expected to improve efficiency, reliability, and quality in financial transactions.
Industry Perspectives on AI Commerce
Dimitrios Dosis, President for Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Mastercard, highlighted the critical importance of trust and transparency in AI-driven commerce systems. He stated that as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into people's digital lives, payment systems must evolve to match this intelligence with integrity.
Dosis emphasized that Mastercard Agent Pay ensures agentic commerce is built on fundamental principles of transparency, user consent, and robust security, empowering both consumers and businesses to engage confidently in this new era of digital transactions.
Ahmed Galal Ismail of Majid Al Futtaim Holding described artificial intelligence as a transformative force for retail and lifestyle experiences. He clarified that the collaboration with Mastercard aims to explore the coexistence of intelligence and integrity in digital transactions while building systems that prioritize trust and consumer confidence.
Ismail stressed that the initiative extends beyond mere convenience, establishing a comprehensive framework for responsible innovation in commerce that will redefine how people shop, pay, and engage in an increasingly connected world.
The Future of Agentic Commerce
The introduction of Agent Pay represents a substantial advancement in AI-driven digital payments, positioning the UAE as a pioneer in the emerging field of agentic commerce. With Mastercard, Majid Al Futtaim, and Dataiera leading this technological transformation, the solution is poised to reshape how consumers interact with technology and financial services.
As artificial intelligence continues to integrate into daily life, solutions like Agent Pay demonstrate how technology, trust, and innovation can converge to redefine modern commerce while strengthening the UAE's role as a global digital economy leader. This development signals a new chapter in autonomous digital payments that could potentially transform consumer behavior worldwide.
