Electronic-payment transactions in the Mena region will register $69 billion by 2020, making it one of the fastest growing and most competitive markets for smart payments technology, according to leading industry research.

In light of this, more than 1,000 senior decision makers from banks, retailers, leisure, transport, public sector organisations, gaming, telecoms and solutions suppliers will gather for PayExpo Mena, at the Intercontinental Festival City Dubai from December 5 to 7, to discover the latest ideas, trends and developments in the payments industry.

PayExpo Mena will set the 2017 global agenda for payments and highlight innovations in the region.  As an example, Dubai’s ambition to become the world’s smartest city will come into focus during the keynote presentation by RTA on the smart payment plans for public transport infrastructure.

“These are exciting times for the payment industry. The next ten years will reinvent the way we live by changing the way we pay for things,” said Sammy Tuffaha, director of Digital Payments at Etisalat. Etisalat is an event partner and sponsor of PayExpo Mena.  

“As we experience the latest innovations that are setting the tone for 2017 payments evolution in the Mena region, we must appreciate the vision and efforts that we see in the area. For example, UAE’s goal to become a predominantly cashless society and the increasing penetration of touch-less payments are some of the many benchmarks that need to be reinforced and supported.

“However, such initiatives will require serious coordination among all industry players and relative entities. Specialized events like PayExpo will help bridge the gap between the various initiatives in the region and instigate the needed synchronization for mass adaptation.

“The industry must strive towards digital payments enablement via the implementation of FinTech solutions and in conjunction of advanced technology concepts like blockchain and biometrics. This will rapidly lead to cultural transformation of cashless payments and simpler consumer journey across all aspects of the daily life,” added Tuffaha.

Conference topics will include payments for empowerment, the latest on the relationship between blockchain and banking, the global FinTech scene, cashless payments, and the future of payments. Highlights among these, the sessions on enhancing and encouraging the global FinTech and ecommerce scene will give delegates the opportunity to learn about the mistakes to avoid in providing a platform to support development in the growing world of ecommerce.

Michael Seaman, event director of PayExpo Mena, said: “This world class conference will unite the payments industry under one roof for two packed days of valuable insights and experiences.”

Delegates will be able to try out and learn about the latest product technologies from around the world at a comprehensive exhibition featuring market leading companies such as Telepin Software, eServe Global, Etisalat, Neopay, Novatti, Onpex, Panamax and Vendorcom.

Other features of the event include the Payments Dragons’ Den, the Payments Accelerator for FinTech start-ups, the new CEO & VIPLounge, the PayExpo Mena Payments Power 10 and the PayExpo Mena Global Awards.

With Europe a popular market for payments and e-money institutions looking to expand internationally, an interactive workshop held on 5 December and sponsored by Neopay, will provide a step by step guide on the complex regulatory payments process in obtaining a licence and avoiding unnecessary pitfalls.

PayExpo Mena 2016 has been independently accredited by The CPD Standards Office, as a formal CPD conference so that every seminar, workshop or talk is relevant and applicable for professional CPD records.

Delegates who attend PayExpo Mena 2016 can request a CPD Certificate of Attendance and record their time towards their formal CPD requirements for their professional body, institute or employer. – TradeArabia News Service