PayTabs Acquires TAPn’GO to Expand Digital Payment Tools in the UAE
Payment orchestration firm PayTabs has acquired full ownership of UAE-based contactless payment technology provider TAPn’GO, in a move designed to broaden its digital checkout capabilities for merchants across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
The acquisition brings smartphone-based payment tools directly into the PayTabs merchant application, allowing businesses to offer digital payment experiences without the need for additional hardware. According to the company, the upgraded platform is intended to simplify payment acceptance for retailers, hospitality venues, and healthcare providers.
TAPn’GO’s technology includes features such as bill splitting, tipping, and paperless receipts. The platform also synchronises point-of-sale transactions and supports split payments across cards and digital wallets, expanding the range of payment options available to merchants and consumers.
PayTabs said the acquisition strengthens its role as a regional distribution hub by connecting businesses and consumers through a more integrated payment experience. The company expects more than 20,000 businesses in the region to adopt the upgraded system following the deal.
Abdulaziz Al Jouf, Founder and CEO of PayTabs Group, said the transaction reinforces the company’s position in the region’s payments ecosystem.
“This acquisition strengthens our position as a regional distribution hub, connecting businesses and consumers through an integrated payment experience,” he said.
Cyrille Picard, Founder of TAPn’GO, also highlighted the strategic value of the transaction, saying the technology will support ongoing digital transformation across the region.
“With this versatile and dynamic move TAPn’GO as a PayTabs Group’s proprietary technology will contribute significantly to the region’s ongoing digital disruption, a win-win for all stakeholders involved,” Picard said.
Expanded Merchant Capabilities
The deal comes as payment providers across the region continue to invest in digital tools that reduce friction at checkout and improve the merchant experience. By integrating TAPn’GO into its core application, PayTabs is positioning itself to offer a more complete set of payment services for businesses seeking flexible, contactless, and mobile-first options.
The acquisition is also aligned with broader market demand for streamlined payment systems that can operate across multiple environments, including retail, dining, and healthcare. With smartphone-based acceptance and support for digital wallets, the platform is aimed at merchants looking to modernise in-person payments while maintaining operational efficiency.
Industry Analysis
PayTabs’ acquisition of TAPn’GO reflects a wider shift in the payments sector toward software-led, hardware-light solutions. For merchants, this can lower implementation barriers and make it easier to adopt digital checkout tools. For payment providers, it creates an opportunity to deepen merchant engagement by embedding more functionality into a single platform.
In a competitive regional market, such acquisitions may help payment firms differentiate through convenience, speed, and integration. The expected rollout to more than 20,000 businesses suggests the deal could have a meaningful footprint across MENA’s merchant base, particularly as demand grows for contactless and mobile payment experiences.
