American Express Middle East and Network International enter into a first-of-its-kind strategic partnership to significantly expand merchant acceptance in the UAE

• This strategic partnership enables American Express Middle East to significantly expand Card acceptance to over 85,000 new locations in the UAE, enhancing reach and unlocking broader access for both local and international American Express Card Members.
• Network International is the first fintech working with American Express Middle East to enable broader in-store and online Merchant acceptance through a fully digital model, supported by its payment infrastructure and streamlined onboarding.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 30 June 2026 – American Express Middle East (AEME) further expands its strategic partnership with Network International (Network), a leading fintech company in the Middle East and Africa, with an agreement to help small and medium-sized businesses (SME) in the UAE to welcome loyal and high-spending American Express Card Members. This collaboration will expand American Express Card acceptance to over 85,000 new locations across the UAE.

The agreement makes Network the first fintech to work with American Express Middle East on its strategic approach to expand the number of in-store and online locations across the UAE. Through this collaboration, local and international American Express Card Members are expected to gain access to new locations in the UAE, both in-store and online, broadening everyday spending opportunities.

By adding American Express as a payment choice, Network’s SME merchants can capture more spend and enhance the customer payment experience. Merchants will also benefit from a single consolidated statement to reconcile all their transactions, one streamlined settlement process, an easy onboarding experience, and a dedicated servicing contact.

Mazin Khoury, Chief Executive Officer at American Express Middle East, said: “Our Card Members expect to use their American Express Cards wherever life takes them. This agreement with Network is an important step in enabling our Card Members to now use their Cards at over 85,000 new locations across the UAE, making American Express acceptance more accessible for everyday spend. At American Express, we’re proud to see more businesses accepting American Express in the Middle East region and globally.” 

Murat Cagri Suzer, Group Chief Executive Officer at Network, said: “As the MEA region’s leading Merchant acquirer, Network is connecting businesses and consumers at an exceptional scale and reliability. We are proud to launch another first through this collaboration with American Express Middle East. Together, we will bring UAE merchants a seamless and convenient payments proposition, opening the door to a broader, high-value customer base. We are a growth partner, and we will continue building the infrastructure, partnerships, and possibilities that help businesses across the region thrive.”

Over 170 million Merchants around the world accept American Express payments¹. Since 2017, Amex-accepting locations have increased by 5x around the world².

***

1.  Locations in force (LIF) estimate as of December 2025, which reflects an estimated 39 million Merchants that accept American Express in China (including through digital wallets). LIF represents proprietary and partner acquired Merchant locations where the Merchant is enabled to accept American Express. LIF estimates incorporate data provided to us by certain third parties and include Merchants that accept American Express through payment facilitators and digital wallets.

2. 2017-2025 growth does not include Merchant locations through certain payment facilitators.

About American Express Middle East 
American Express began operations in the MENA region in 1959 and set up its first office in Bahrain in 1977. In 1992, AEME was established in Bahrain as a joint venture company owned by American Express and Mawarid Investment Limited. Today, AEME provides consumer card, corporate and merchant payment solutions across MENA, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business. 
Learn more at https://www.americanexpress.ae/en-ae/, download Amex MENA app or connect with us on www.facebook.com/AmericanExpressME, www.instagram.com/amexmena and www.linkedin.com/company/AmericanExpressME

About Network International
Network International is the Middle East and Africa’s leading fintech company. Our purpose is to help businesses and economies grow by simplifying payments and commerce. We serve a diverse ecosystem of banks, FinTechs, telcos, merchants, governments, and public sector entities spanning 50+ countries – empowering our partners with innovative technology, value-added services, and deep expertise in payment systems and infrastructure. Our 3,000+ team strength on the ground works closely with 250+ financial institutions and 240,000+ merchants to deliver reliable, scalable, and future-ready payment and fintech solutions across the region.