Quisk Middle East, a global provider of digital payment services and solutions, is set to launch its new banking payment platform in the UAE, to be applied at all of Dubai-based Network International's points of sale across the country.

Network International is a leading provider of payment solutions in the Middle East.

Backed by the Smart Dubai Government Establishment (SDG), Quisk Middle East – the Middle East and North African (Mena) subsidiary of US-based Quisk – had been developing this new generation of smart payment solutions for launch later this year, said a statement from the company.

Quisk is a cloud computing system designed to integrate with the core banking platform of any bank in the UAE to deliver new and affordable digital solutions to customers.

Using customers’ phone numbers and secured PINs rather than card or bank account numbers, the smart payment system allows anyone to smoothly manage, pay or save money, even for those who have no bank accounts in the UAE, it said.

Unlike those payment systems that are best used through smartphones or those mainly limited to payment through SMS, Quisk can be used by any phone for customers to conduct a range of transactions, including retail purchases, government services and bill payments.

In addition, the technology can be used for withdrawing money from ATMs, making e-commerce transfers, and conducting individual remittances. Quisk accounts can be adapted to connect to any source of funds–other bank accounts, credit cards, or digital wallets–and can securely complete payments without requiring the use of a smart phone application, data connection, mobile minutes, or a charge.

Wesam Lootah, chief executive officer, SDG, said: “Our organisation constantly strives to make life easier and more convenient for people in Dubai; we launch bold initiatives based on cutting-edge technology and adopt innovative, breakthrough solutions that allow residents to go about their daily tasks as seamlessly as possible.”

“Launching the trial version of this new generation of smart payment solutions allows us to add another dimension to the smart payment experience, and brings us even closer to our goal of making Dubai the happiest city in the world,” he said.

“One of the key features setting this platform apart from other similar products is its unprecedented flexibility: users are free to use any device to avail the service. This development opens the door for an entirely new concept of smart banking transactions,” he added.

Samer Soliman, executive vice president of products and innovation at Network International, said: “We are very pleased to launch the next generation of new mobile payment services that goes beyond the limits of devices and dramatically changes the way payments are made.”

“The new payment system will help millions of financial account holders in the Mena region in general – and the Gulf region, in particular,” he said.

“Our goal is not only to consolidate the culture of digital money but to facilitate payments and all other payment services as well. While it will help the financial system be more integrated, Quisk will also provide new, convenient, and secure ways for conducting transactions,” he added.

Ziad Alshobaki, managing director at Quisk Middle East, said: “With all the progress we are currently witnessing, there is no better place than the UAE to apply what we believe is the world’s most unique and comprehensive financial solution for making payments via mobile phones.”

“By adopting such new smart techniques, and thanks to the support of the Smart Dubai Government, which strives for Dubai to be happier and smarter, we seek to offer the best solutions and experiences to the citizens, residents, and visitors of the emirate,” he said.

“Now that the POS network is being enabled in the UAE, we are officially ready to begin offering Quisk via our bank customers,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service