Digital wallets have quickly become a part of everyday life in the UAE. From paying for groceries to transferring money or settling bills, these apps make cashless transactions easy, fast, and secure. But with the wide variety of options available, it may be hard to pick the best digital wallet in the UAE.
If you’re new to digital wallets or looking to switch to a better option, this guide covers everything you need to know.
- Top Digital Wallets in the UAE (2025-2026)
- Comparison Table: Best Digital Wallets in the UAE
- Crypto and Digital Asset Wallets
- Features to Look for in a Digital Wallet
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Top Digital Wallets in the UAE (2025-2026)
Over the past few years, the usage of digital wallets in the UAE has significantly surged. This was mainly driven by the government’s cashless initiatives, smart city goals, and the tech-savvy habits of residents.
Although it’s fairly simple to open a bank account in the UAE, the world has rapidly shifted toward digital solutions, and the UAE is among those leading that transformation.
Now let’s dive into the top digital wallets in the UAE to find you the most suitable one.
Bank-Backed and Licensed Wallets
- PayIt
PayIt by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is one of the most reliable and widely used digital wallets in the country. This app is completely free to use and requires no minimum balance. Users can also enjoy cashback offers, shopping discounts, and even withdraw cash from FAB ATMs.
Covers: Bill payments, money transfers, and government services.
- e& money (Etisalat Wallet)
e& money is a Central Bank–licensed wallet known for its versatility. It comes with a prepaid card for everyday purchases. Its multi-currency support makes it especially useful for expats and frequent travellers.
Covers: International transfers, bill payments, phone recharge, prepaid card, and shopping.
- Klip
Backed by 15 of the top banks in Dubai and the UAE, Klip is a local wallet aiming to simplify digital payments. It’s fully licensed and designed to connect users across multiple banks through a single app.
Covers: Local transfers, merchant payments, and small business transactions.
- Careem Pay
Integrated into the Careem super app, Careem Pay is a Central Bank–authorised service that allows instant top-ups, direct payments, and transfers between users. It uses Mastercard Send for fast transactions, making it a convenient choice for anyone already using Careem’s ride-hailing or food delivery services.
Covers: Ride and delivery payments, instant top-ups, local transfers, and in-app purchases.
International Payment Wallets
- Apple Pay
Apple Pay brings secure, contactless payments to iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac users. It’s one of the most widely accepted wallets in the UAE and all over the world. It uses tokenisation and biometric verification to ensure privacy and protection.
Covers: In-store and online purchases, restaurant payments, and subscriptions.
- Google Pay
Google Pay provides Android users with an equally smooth experience, featuring advanced encryption and biometric security.
Covers: Retail and online payments, travel tickets, loyalty cards, and peer-to-peer transfers
- Samsung Wallet
Samsung Wallet integrates contactless payments, biometric security, and ID storage into one platform for Samsung users. It is a convenient option for those who want payments, boarding passes, and digital keys all in one place.
Covers: Contactless payments, tickets, membership cards, gift cards, and travel passes.
- Alipay
Alipay is the preferred choice for Chinese residents and visitors in the country. It offers compliance with global standards, multilingual support, and widespread acceptance across hotels, malls, and retail stores in the UAE.
Covers: Retail and hospitality payments and cross-border purchases
Comparison Table: Best Digital Wallets in the UAE
| Wallet App | Security & Compliance | Unique Perks |
|---|---|---|
| e& money (Etisalat) | Central Bank licensed | Prepaid card, multicurrency transfers |
| PayIt | Bank-backed, regulated | Integrated government payments, no fees |
| Apple Pay | Tokenization, biometrics | iPhone/Apple Watch integration |
| Google Pay | Encryption, authentication | Tickets, passes, contactless pay |
| Klip | Bank-backed | Low fees, broad bank support |
| Careem Pay | Central Bank authorized | Super app integration, instant top-ups |
| Samsung Wallet | Biometrics, multi-layered | Galaxy ecosystem integration |
Crypto and Digital Asset Wallets
Besides the traditional digital wallet, there are several wallets in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and all over the UAE that support cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. These wallets allow users to buy, store, send, and trade tokens securely through blockchain technology. The top crypto and digital asset wallets include:
- Walletverse
Walletverse supports over 600 cryptocurrencies and offers full self-custody. In other words, you retain control of your private keys. It includes biometric protection, staking options, and real-time portfolio tracking.
All this makes it suitable for both professional and casual experienced crypto users.
Covers: Crypto storage, staking, token swaps, and DeFi access.
- Exodus Wallet
Exodus stands out for its design and usability. It offers a built-in exchange, supports hardware wallet integration, and provides strong customer support. It’s ideal for users who want a balance of style, simplicity, and safety.
Covers: Crypto storage, in-app exchanges, and hardware wallet pairing.
Features to Look for in a UAE Digital Wallet
When picking which digital wallet to use in the UAE, focus on:
- Security: Look for Central Bank licensing, data encryption, and biometrics.
- Ease of use: The main reason to use a digital wallet is convenience, so check the user interface and customer support before committing to a wallet.
- Compatibility: Verify that the wallet works on iOS and Android and is widely accepted by merchants.
- Service offerings: Search for features like bill payments, remittances, cashback rewards, and crypto support.
- Currency Support: Ensure it supports AED and offers multicurrency options for expats and travelers.
- Integration: Check if it connects seamlessly with government services and major digital platforms.
Key Takeaways
The digital wallet landscape in the UAE is thriving, with secure and convenient options for every need; from everyday purchases to global transfers and crypto management.
With strong Central Bank regulation and partnerships between banks, telecoms, and tech firms, users can rely on platforms like PayIt, e& money, Apple Pay, and Careem Pay for day-to-day transactions. Whereas, crypto-focused users can opt for powerful tools like Walletverse for asset protection.
Finally, the key is finding a wallet that matches your lifestyle, whether that’s seamless bill payments, travel-friendly currency support, or complete control over digital assets.
FAQs
PayIt, e& money, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Wallet are widely accepted across retail, online, public services, and government channels in the country.
Most are licensed and regulated by the Central Bank or major banks, and use advanced encryption, biometrics, and tokenisation for security.
Yes. International wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Alipay are accepted.
Consider your primary needs, such as everyday payments, international transfers, or cryptocurrency transactions, and then focus on regulatory compliance, device compatibility, and any additional features you need.
Walletverse, Trust Wallet, Exodus, and Ledger Nano S are among the top choices, supporting a diverse range of cryptocurrencies and digital transfers in UAE.
