Top BNPL Platforms in the UAE Reshape the Digital Credit Market
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) providers are playing an increasingly important role in the UAE’s digital payments landscape as consumers continue to move away from traditional credit products. Supported by a more formal regulatory framework, the sector has expanded across both retail and business-to-business financing.
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has introduced rules for BNPL providers, requiring them to operate either as Restricted License Finance Companies or as official agents of licensed banks. This regulatory clarity has helped create a stronger foundation for market growth, enabling platforms to raise capital and build partnerships across the country.
Tabby expands beyond short-term instalments
Tabby remains one of the most prominent BNPL providers in the UAE, with more than 25 million users and an annualised transaction volume exceeding US$17 billion, according to the source article. The platform allows customers to split purchases into four interest-free payments, with some plans extending up to 12 months.
The company recently strengthened its position in the market by securing a Stored Value Facilities licence from the CBUAE. This approval allows Tabby to hold customer funds and broaden its offering beyond instalment payments into wider money management services. Tabby has also expanded merchant integrations through partnerships with Yuno and Checkout.com.
Tamara promotes Sharia-compliant payment options
Tamara has built its UAE offering around Sharia-compliant financial products that do not charge interest or late fees. Users can either pay in full or split their bills into four instalments. The platform also includes a membership programme that offers cashback rewards and buyer protection.
Its recent integration with Amazon Payment Services has widened access to split-payment options across a larger merchant base. The move reflects growing consumer demand for transparent repayment structures, especially for higher-value purchases.
Cashew targets larger-ticket financing
Unlike BNPL providers focused on everyday retail purchases, Cashew has positioned itself around higher-value financing through bank partnerships. The company recently deepened its collaboration with Mashreq to develop an embedded lending framework for essential and high-value purchases.
Through this arrangement, customers can access financing of up to AED 150,000 with repayment periods of up to 48 months. The model supports point-of-sale lending across sectors including healthcare, home improvement, and education.
Comfi brings BNPL to B2B trade
Comfi is extending the BNPL concept into the B2B segment by addressing SME cash flow needs. The UAE-headquartered platform converts outstanding invoices into cash within 24 hours for suppliers, while buyers are offered flexible payment terms of 30, 60, or 90 days.
The company recently raised US$65 million in a mix of equity and debt to scale its embedded finance offering. It has already supported more than 1,000 SMEs, helping suppliers settle receivables faster while enabling larger order volumes from customers.
Postpay maintains a broad retail presence
Postpay has been active in the UAE market since 2019 and continues to work with thousands of domestic retailers. Its core offer allows online shoppers to split payments into three interest-free instalments. The company has also attracted institutional backing to support its growth in the local retail sector.
Industry Analysis
The rise of BNPL in the UAE shows how alternative credit is becoming increasingly embedded in both consumer and business payment flows. Regulatory oversight from the CBUAE appears to be giving the sector greater stability, while partnerships with banks, payment processors, and merchants are helping providers expand distribution.
At the same time, the market is evolving beyond standard retail instalments. Providers are now targeting longer-term financing, Sharia-compliant offerings, and B2B invoice solutions, suggesting that BNPL in the UAE is moving toward a broader digital credit infrastructure rather than a single product category.
