Dubai, UAE: In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping how people shop, pay, and connect, Mastercard is introducing Agent Pay in the UAE, and today marked its first transaction outside the US.

As part of this pilot phase in the UAE, Mastercard is collaborating with Majid Al Futtaim, a leader in shopping malls, communities, retail, and leisure across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, and with fintech Dataiera.

The launch event was attended by His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach; and Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Holding.

When launched, cardholders will be able to use their AI agent to search, discover and transact through Mastercard Agent Pay, including booking theatre tickets at VOX Cinemas with ease.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasized that, guided by the UAE’s leadership, the nation has become a global hub and destination for adopting and supporting advanced technologies and initiatives that enhance well-being, strengthen its global competitiveness and leadership, and elevate its position as a leading hub for world-class AI applications.

Al Olama added that the UAE has set a new global benchmark in embracing and deploying artificial intelligence to simplify everyday life, advancing innovations that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and quality of digital interactions. His Excellency noted that the introduction of the AI Agent in payment solutions represents a significant milestone, opening new horizons for the growth and development of the UAE’s digital economy.

“As AI becomes a trusted companion in people’s digital lives, payments must evolve to match its intelligence with integrity. Mastercard Agent Pay ensures that agentic commerce is built on transparency, consent and security, empowering consumers and businesses to engage confidently in this new era of commerce,” said Dimitrios Dosis, President, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard.

Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Holding commented, “As a pioneer in retail and lifestyle innovation, Majid Al Futtaim sees AI as a transformative force shaping the future of commerce and human interaction. Collaborating with Mastercard on Agent Pay allows us to explore how intelligence and integrity can coexist in digital transactions - creating systems that prioritize trust, transparency, and consumer confidence. This collaboration is not just about convenience; it’s about setting a framework for responsible innovation that redefines how people shop, pay, and engage in a connected world.”

Mastercard has been supporting the UAE government’s efforts to accelerate secure commerce, drive digital transformation, and lead the global adoption of Artificial Intelligence. This shared commitment resulted in the launch of Mastercard’s Center for Advanced AI and Cyber Technology in Dubai in 2023, in collaboration with the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office—cementing the nation’s role as a global hub for innovation.

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Mastercard Communications Contact: Halima.Islam@mastercard.com & Jandre.Nieuwoudt@mastercard.com

About Majid Al Futtaim
Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is an Emirati-owned, diversified lifestyle conglomerate with operations across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Inspired by the vision of its late founder, Mr. Majid Al Futtaim, to create great moments for everyone, everyday; the company has grown into one of the region’s most respected businesses. The Group employs more than 41,000 people and serves 600 million customers across its physical and digital ecosystem each year. With owned assets valued at US$19 billion, Majid Al Futtaim has the highest credit rating (BBB) among privately held companies in the region.

Majid Al Futtaim owns 29 shopping malls, including the flagship Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, and Mall of Oman as well as the iconic City Centre destinations.  Its real estate portfolio includes seven luxury hotels and five mixed-use developments, and it is the creator of highly sought after communities including Ghaf Woods and Tilal Al Ghaf in Dubai, Al Zahia in Sharjah and Al Mouj in Muscat.

In 1995, Majid Al Futtaim introduced modern grocery retail to the region. Today, it owns and operates a portfolio of brands across a network of nearly 500 stores.

Majid Al Futtaim’s assets and interests act as a gateway into the Middle East for global fashion, home and beauty brands, including lululemon, LEGO, Crate and Barrel, and Shiseido, as well as regional multi-brand, omnichannel concept store, THAT. It is the proud operator of more than 600 VOX Cinemas screens and owns a network of world-class leisure and entertainment experiences including the renowned Ski Dubai.   

All of its retail and entertainment experiences are linked through SHARE, the UAE’s fastest growing loyalty programme, which leverages AI and advanced data analytics to bring customers personalised rewards, unique experiences and great moments, everyday. www.majidalfuttaim.com