Region's 1,176.8 per cent internet use growth for 2000-2008, anticipated 25 million users in 2009 open up more online payment prospects
OneCard, the Arab world's largest multi-function secured e-payment services provider, will take advantage of the rapid growth in internet use throughout the Middle East to further promote its online payment services and help expand the popularity of e-commerce in the region.
The impressive 1,176.8 per cent internet use growth posted by the region between 2000-2008, which is expected to further hike the number of Arab internet users to 25 million in 2009, has increased the popularity of e-commerce. Electronic payment service providers estimate that online payment for goods in the Middle East has grown by at least 27 per cent over the past two years. OneCard expects that solid public spending in 2009 will influence retailers to launch more e-commerce initiatives in the region.
"The Gulf alone is expected to increase its average GDP by a solid 2.4. per cent in 2009. One of the key factors for this growth is strong public spending, which will definitely influence retailers to launch their own e-commerce initiatives. Given that a majority of Arab internet users are youth who are active consumers, e-commerce has the potential to expand exponentially this year," said Muhannad Ebwini, General Manager of OneCard
A major concern over e-commerce transactions is the growing number of security threats invading the internet. Middle East-based companies report that as much as 90 per cent of their incoming communications are spam, thus making them potential targets of malicious software. OneCard addresses this issue by using the latest network security measures. It currently uses 64-bit one-way and two-way encryption to ensure secure transactions for its customers.
"The Middle East's internet community is growing at an exponential rate, which unfortunately also means that hackers are eyeing the region more closely. OneCard continues to explore the latest network protection technologies to ensure a reliable, efficient and secure online environment for its customers. We invite our users to avail of our numerous online services and watch out for the promotions we have lined up this year to reward their patronage," concluded Ebwini.
Launched in Saudi Arabia in 2004, OneCard (www.onecard.net) has emerged as the most comprehensive online payment solution in the Arab region. It continues to provide the Middle East with an excellent platform to acquire online services developed to suite Arab culture and society. OneCard's comprehensive service categories include mobile charge cards, website hosting services, stocks and currency, education and books, internet service providers, online games, DSL cards, download sites, and internet phone cards, among others.
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About OneCard
OneCard was initially launched in Saudi Arabia during April 2004, and made headlines due to high public interest in this first of a kind product in Saudi Arabia; Digital Excellence Award 2006 was presented to OneCard by the Ministry of ICT in Saudi Arabia.
OneCard is the Arab World's first multi-function secured prepaid online payments mechanism. In simple words, OneCard is a prepaid online payment allowing users to access the most comprehensive portfolio of Internet connectivity (ADSL), communication services, mobile services, premium subscriptions and paid content from the Web and much more.
OneCard domain has further expansion by Y2008 to encompass Egypt, GCC countries Levant region, Iran and North Africa, by becoming an authorized reseller for all local prepaid services, eGovernment, and to introduce international online services for each country. More information regarding OneCard can be found by visiting www.OneCard.net
For more information, please contact:
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
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UAE
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© Press Release 2009