According to Ernst & Young the idea that UAE customers prefer cash to cards is simply a myth. The firm recently conducted a survey, revealing that 65% of UAE residents prefer to pay with electronic money.
The results contradict recent numbers provided by Logistics firm Aramaex which showed that 80% of its clients prefer to use a “cash on delivery” service, instead of paying with debit or credit cards online.
The rise in the use of electronic money is attributed to the influence of older generation expats who “a high level of influence in the country.” The survey revealed that 74% of respondents aged 50 or over preferred cards or direct electronic transfers to cash.