UAE-bound shoppers and travellers from Russia and CIS countries are now able to pay for their transactions using Mir-branded cards in Dubai Duty Free’s stores.

An agreement between payment solutions provider Network International and Mir enables merchants across the UAE to accept Mir card payments.

A ceremony to mark the announcement was held this week at Dubai International Airport Concourse B.

RUSSIA ‘IN TOP FIVE’ DDF DESTINATIONS

Ramesh Cidambi, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Duty Free, said: “We are delighted to be able to give our Russian customers the option to use their Mir cards to pay for their purchase(s) in Dubai Duty Free.

“Russia is one of the top five countries by destination in terms of Dubai Duty Free shoppers and this partnership represents a significant step in our ongoing commitment to provide shopping convenience to our customers by making the payment process as easy and secure as possible.”

Network International, which according to its website is ‘the largest acquirer in the UAE and leading enabler of digital commerce in the Middle East and Africa region’, says Russia remains a key market for several merchants in the UAE, especially in the hospitality and luxury retail sectors.

Mir Payment System says the UAE is also one of the most popular vacation destinations for Russian tourists, with the agreement allowing Network’s UAE merchants to increase conversion levels, expand client bases  and better serve customers from Russia and CIS countries.

Vladimir Komlev, Chief Executive Officer, Mir Payment System, added: “One of the key areas of Mir’s international development is to ensure its acceptance in countries popular among Russian tourists. Our cooperation with Network will allow them to use their Mir cards this very season for purchases at popular retailers using Network terminals, including Dubai Duty Free.”