Dirhams & Dollars

Following the launch of Apple Pay in the UAE on Tuesday, the D&D gang sits down to compare their experiences using digital wallets. Retail reporter Ed Clowes’ favourite so far is Samsung Pay, while our in-house fanboy Scott Shuey obviously leans towards the simplicity of Apple Pay. Sarah Diaa, our resident Luddite, still refuses to give up her Windows phone, so we’re not sure what she’s going to be able to buy. Using these wallets has been a mixed bag so far, not because of the technology but due to retailers’ reactions. Apparently, not everyone has gotten the memo regarding how mobile wallets work. (NO, we aren’t offering to trade our phones for those jeans.) The big question for the team is whether these digital wallets, which promise to provide greater simplicity and security than credit cards, will help drive greater adoption of e-commerce. With the arrival of Amazon and launch of the Noon.com in the region, demand for secure payments options will definitely increase. Will Samsung or Apple become th