Dubai, UAE; 18 November 2025: In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping how people shop, pay, and connect, Mastercard is introducing Agent Pay in the UAE, and today marked its first transaction outside the US. 

As part of this pilot phase in the UAE, Mastercard is partnering with Majid Al Futtaim, a leader in shopping malls, communities, retail, and leisure across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, and fintech partner, Dataeira. 

The successful purchase of a cinema ticket at Majid Al Futtaim’s VOX chain was made in the presence of His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach; and Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Holding.

When launched, cardholders will be able to use their AI agent to search, discover and transact through Mastercard Agent Pay, including booking theatre tickets at VOX Cinemas with ease. 

 

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasized that, guided by the UAE’s leadership, the nation has become a global destination for adopting and supporting advanced technologies and initiatives that enhance well-being, strengthen its global competitiveness and leadership, and elevate its position as a leading hub for world-class AI applications.

 

Al Olama added that the UAE has set a new global benchmark in embracing and deploying artificial intelligence to simplify everyday life, advancing innovations that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and quality of digital interactions. His Excellency noted that the introduction of the AI Agent in payment solutions represents a significant milestone, opening new horizons for the growth and development of the UAE’s digital economy.

“As AI becomes a trusted companion in people’s digital lives, payments must evolve to match its intelligence with integrity. Mastercard Agent Pay ensures that agentic commerce is built on transparency, consent and security, empowering consumers and businesses to engage confidently in this new era of commerce,” said Dimitrios Dosis, President, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard.

Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Holding commented, “As a pioneer in retail and lifestyle innovation, Majid Al Futtaim sees AI as a transformative force shaping the future of commerce and human interaction. Partnering with Mastercard on Agent Pay allows us to explore how intelligence and integrity can coexist in digital transactions - creating systems that prioritize trust, transparency, and consumer confidence. This collaboration is not just about convenience; it’s about setting a framework for responsible innovation that redefines how people shop, pay, and engage in a connected world.”

Mastercard has been supporting the UAE government’s efforts to accelerate secure commerce, drive digital transformation, and lead the global adoption of Artificial Intelligence. This shared commitment resulted in the launch of Mastercard’s Center for Advanced AI and Cyber Technology in Dubai in 2023, in collaboration with the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office—cementing the nation’s role as a global hub for innovation.