Leaders in the cards and payments, ecommerce and ID industries will meet in Abu Dhabi next week to discuss new strategies for the Middle East’s paperless revolution and the huge growth in mobile payments.

Now in its 13th year, Cards & Payments Middle East 2012 will discuss the future of payment solutions on May 15 and 16 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

Matthew Wallhead, general manager of Terrapinn, a business media company and organizer and creator of the event, said: “Cards, payments and contactless smartcards are changing the way consumers and merchants interact with each other.”

“They enable consumers to enjoy added convenience, speed and access, while issuers and merchants enjoy faster transaction times, lower costs and penetration into the cash payment market. Cards and Payments Middle East 2012 will provide a suitable platform and environment for key market players to develop strategies and partnerships to tap into this rapidly growing market.”

The event will include a free-to-attend exhibition with over 150 of the world’s leading solution providers exhibiting, including companies such as Emaratech, BPC Group, Nokia, Gemalto and HPS.

Over 70 free seminars will run in-conjunction with a number of specific paid-to-attend conferences and sessions.

More than 60 speakers from around the world will speak across five sub-streams including Digital ID World, Pre Paid Cards Conference, NFC Conference, Mobile Money World Conference, and RFID World Conference.

The official government partner for the event, Emirates Identity Authority, will give attendees the opportunity to learn about the future of digital governance, pioneering e-identity and driving e- government services in the UAE.

“The conference is a great place to get an industry snap-shot of key global trends, demonstrate best practice, develop new business models and partnerships and for participants across industries to give their brand unrivalled visibility among the region’s biggest budget holders,” Wallhead said.

“Professionals from banking, telcos, retail and government sectors will be able to gain insights on how to capitalize on the latest technologies available and partake in unique networking opportunities,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service