3,000 Bahrain retailers now offer crypto payments with Binance Pay

3,000 Bahrain retailers now offer crypto payments with Binance Pay

Binance Pay has announced that it is now offering its cryptocurrency transaction platform with over 3,000 Bahrain retailers. Binance pay is working with online as well as physical store to offer secure crypto payments.

The Bahrain retailers include names such as Sharaf DG, the electronic retailer in Bahrain. In addition to local fast food chain Jasmis, as well as STC Bahrain, LuLu HyperMarket, Dose Café, Al Zin Jewellry, Salmabad, Wadi Al Sail and Hawar, petrol stations, Pet Arabia, Premier Motors Showroom, Reebok store and many more.

As per the announcement, “With the continuously growing adoption of blockchain technology and digital currencies, this revolution is just the beginning. Be part of it by supporting these merchants and making a transaction the Binance way!”

In January 2023 Binance celebrated its official entrance into Bahrain. Binance received its official license in October 2022. On entrance Binance Pay partnered with Bahrain Eazy Pay to introduce crypto payments for Bahrain real estate developer Bin Faqeeh Real estate Investment.

Binance also launched crypto futures products in Bahrain after receiving regulatory permission.  With this Binance Bahrain BSC became the first regulated exchange in the region to offer these services and the only exchange with a CAT4 license.

This came after Binance suspended its crypto debit card services in Latin America and the Middle East from Aug. 25. The crypto debit card services in Latin America and the Middle East were terminated Sept. 21, but the exchange claimed refunds and disputes could still be processed until Dec. 20, 2023.

UAE YallaMarket to use Binance and IvendPay for crypto payments

UAE YallaMarket to use Binance and IvendPay for crypto payments

YallaMarket, a Dubai grocery delivery service has announced it intends to embrace crypto payments and utilized Binance Pay and IvendPay for their solution. 

Leo Dovbenko, CEO and co-founder of YallaMarket and YallaHub, commented: “YallaMarket and YallaHub are based in the UAE, a global hub of financial technology, so we couldn’t stand aside. Moreover, our product development strategy is focused on our customers’ evolving demands. Thanks to Binance and ivendPay, we will be able to stay agile, adopt new payment technologies, and focus on providing the best customer service possible.” 

Cryptocurrency payments offer many opportunities for businesses and users alike. As more merchants and consumers adopt this method of making everyday purchases, we will see continued growth and innovation in this space.

This comes after Binance onboarded international payment service ivendPay, as a global cryptocurrency payment gateway for Binance Pay – a contactless, borderless, and secure user-to-user cryptocurrency payment feature on the Binance App.

The partnership will contribute to making cryptocurrencies an even bigger part of users’ everyday life, further extending digital assets’ real-world utility and making payments easier and more accessible. Binance users can now make purchases at all locations of IvendPay’s international network with their crypto.

ivendPay is an international payment service that allows businesses to accept cryptocurrency payments through point-of-sale (POS) terminals, mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, API, and vending machines. Currently, the service operates in seven countries with some 400 active merchants, and the number of new sales points continues to grow weekly.

Pakning Luk, Binance Pay’s regional head of business development, said about the partnership: “We’re more than excited to announce ivendPay as a strategic payment partner as their solutions help both online and offline merchants make users’ payment experience seamless.” 

Binance Pay clients in UAE versus Bahrain, you win some you lose some

Binance Pay clients in UAE versus Bahrain, you win some you lose some

While Binance Pay with its partner in Bahrain is breaking records with new clients accepting crypto payments using the platform, in other places, like the UAE it is losing clients. The issue could be regulatory more than technical.

So last week, Novotel Bahrain Al Dana Resort became the first hotel in the region to accept crypto payments via EazyPay & Binance Pay, while UAE’s Dubai Canadian University seems to have changed its stance and is no longer willing to accept crypto payments. This also seems to be the same situation with UAE Emirates Zone Investment Services which has also announced a partnership, but no longer mentions this prominently on their website or in their tweets. While it still mentions it in their news section.

So back to Bahrain, Eazy Financial Services “EazyPay”, Bahrain’s payment services provider signed a payment services agreement with Novotel Bahrain Al Dana Resort, a luxury 4-star beachside hotel in Manama to offer crypto asset payments to its clients via Binance Pay application which is regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain.

Novotel Bahrain Al Dana Resort’s General Manager, Mr. Amid Yazji commented: “Keeping up with the development of technologies, and our constant desire to provide our valued guests with the highest levels of service, we are thrilled to announce that we are the first hotel in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the region to use the latest digital payment technologies in partnership with Eazy Financial Services “EazyPay”

This is neither the first nor the last client in Bahrain to sign up. Over the past few months EazyPay has signed up an array of clients utilizing its partnership with Binance Pay. Bahrain real estate developer Bin Faqeeh Real estate Investment Company announced that clients could apartments or houses using cryptocurrencies using EazyPay’s POS terminals.

Even stc Bahrain has become the first telecom operator in Bahrain to accept cryptocurrencies through its partnership with Eazy Financial Services, a leading Bahraini Payment Services provider specializing in POS and online payment gateway. EazyPay uses BinancePay and wallet to offer this service to more than 5000 POS terminals in Bahrain.

While in the UAE, in January 2023, UAE Emirates Zone Investment Services announced it had partnered with Binance Pay, to accept crypto payments from the UAE start-up community, small and medium businesses (SMBs), Investors and Entrepreneurs who are planning to set up companies in the region. At the time, the service was prominently mentioned on the first page of their website and in their tweets. Yet now no tweet is visible on the matter and the only reference to the partnership is in their news section of their website.

Furthermore, another UAE client who had announced that they would be accepting cryptocurrencies with Binance Pay has since then retracted their statement. UAE’s Canadian University in Dubai had announced that it was accepting crypto payments through Binance Pay. In a twitter post the Canadian University Dubai announced that it had collaborated with Binance Pay to offer crypto as a payment method. According to the post students of Canadian University Dubai can use Binance Pay to pay their fees.

But then a few days later, in another tweet the Canadian University of Dubai stated, “Dear CUD Community, for technical reasons, CUD will not be accepting cryptocurrency as a method of payment, until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience.”

It seems weird to have technical issues after the fact, as most entities try and test the service and ensure there are no technical issues before making announcements.

Could there be another reason for the sudden retraction? Could there have been regulatory restraints perhaps? One person commented on the Dubai Canadian University tweet saying, “Lies, you backed down because of pressure from gov. Paying in USDC or crypto is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to send value across the world with perfect and complete settlement.” While other tweet replies bashed Binance.

Whatever the reason it would seem that Binance while winning many clients to its Binance Pay platform, has also lost some especially in the UAE!

LaraotheBlock  reached out to Binance spokesperson and is awaiting their comments. If comments are made this article will be updated. 

LaraontheBlock also tried calling Emirates Investment Zone services but to no avail.

Number one ranking University in Dubai UAE is accepting crypto payments with Binance Pay

Number one ranking University in Dubai UAE is accepting crypto payments with Binance Pay

UAE’s Canadian University in Dubai is accepting crypto payments through Binance. In a twitter post the Canadian University Dubai announced that it had collaborated with Binance Pay to offer crypto as a payment method.

According to the post Binance Pay is a contactless secure crypto payment technology.

Students of Canadian University Dubai can use Binance Pay to pay their fees. 

According to the QS World University Rankings 2022, Canadian University Dubai is ranked first in Dubai. There are more than 70 supported cryptocurrencies on Binance Pay, including Cardano (ADA), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and others.

In February 2023 as well, Bahrain real estate developer Bin Faqeeh Real estate Investment Company announced that clients can buy apartments or houses using cryptocurrencies. Bin Faqeeh will be offering crypto payment services with Bahrain financial service provider EazyPay POS terminals, which is utilizing Binance Pay.

In late January 2023, UAE Emirates Zone Investment Services partnered with Binance Pay, to accept crypto payments from the UAE startup community, small and medium businesses (SMBs), Investors and Entrepreneurs who are planning to set up companies in the region.

In October 2022 in Chainalysis’s blog report, MENA based crypto users received $566 billion worth of cryptocurrency in one year from July 2021 to June 2022. As per the news, this is a 48 percent increase from 2020-2021.

Bahrain EazyPay and Binance follow CoinMENA’s lead offering crypto payments in real estate

Bahrain EazyPay and Binance follow CoinMENA’s lead offering crypto payments in real estate

Bahrain real estate developer Bin Faqeeh Real estate Investment Company announced that clients can buy apartments or houses using cryptocurrencies. Bin Faqeeh will be offering crypto payment services with Bahrain financial service provider EazyPay POS terminals.

Binance Co-Founder and CEO, Changpeng Zhao tweeted about Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Company accepting Crypto Payments via Binance Pay through Eazy Financial Services. EazyPay and Binance had signed a partnership in Q4 2022 to offer crypto payment services to EazyPay’s 5000 plus POS terminals.

Prior to this Bahrain CoinMENA crypto broker partnered with Carlton Real Estate, a Bahrain-based real estate agency, allowing clients to buy real estate property using crypto assets. Under the partnership, Carlton real estate would accept stablecoins like USDT and USDC.

The UAE as well has been offering clients the ability to pay for real estate in cryptocurrencies. In May 2022 UAE Properties developer Nakheel and Abu Dhabi based crypto exchange Hayvn partnered to offer crypto payment options for Nakheel clients. Nakheel clients are able to pay for their rent, service fee, and real estate purchases in cryptocurrency.

Other real estate developers in UAE also are offering crypto payment services, such as DAMAC, SAMENA developers and more. In March UAE based Real estate and industry experts estimated that crypto payments for Dubai real estate increased by 300 percent in 2022. Majority of buyers are using stablecoins such as Tether, USDT as well as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Even UAE Property Consultancy firm, Your place partnered with Utrust, a cryptocurrency payment solution designed to modernize the finance and payments industry offers clients the ability to pay for properties in Dubai UAE using cryptocurrencies. Recently Utrust is now enabling crypto payments for luxury hotels in the UAE. BM Hotels & Resorts luxury hotel chain is accepting digital currencies using Utrust.

UAE Emirates Zone Investment services accepts crypto payments using Binance Pay

UAE Emirates Zone Investment services accepts crypto payments using Binance Pay

UAE Emirates Zone Investment Services has partnered with Binance Pay, to accept crypto payments from the UAE startup community, small and medium businesses (SMBs), Investors and Entrepreneurs who are planning to set up companies in the region.

Emirates Zone provides business setup and business formation to investors inside and outside the country. UAE is one of the biggest crypto markets in the world. Based in Abu Dhabi, Emirates Zone Group aims to facilitate the adoption of digital currencies in the region.

Speaking on the partnership, Sanad Al-Meqbali, CEO of Emirates Zone Company, stated, “Emirates Zone Company offers a diverse and comprehensive package of solutions and facilities necessary to empower foreign investors and small and medium-sized companies and provide the opportunity to launch these projects with confidence, ease and ease. Accepting cryptocurrency payments will create more opportunities for global businesses in a bid to tap into UAE’s thriving startup community.”

Nadeem Ladki, Executive Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Binance, aded, ” Emirates Zone’s  decision in accepting cryptocurrency payments with Binance Pay demonstrates Emirates Zone’s forward looking view and approach of the future of the industry. The benefits to use Binance Pay will be a huge draw to the local and global startup business community and offers a great deal of opportunities and businesses looking to establish themselves in the UAE.”

Saudi Telecom in Bahrain first telecom operator in GCC to accept crypto payments

Saudi Telecom in Bahrain first telecom operator in GCC to accept crypto payments

stc Bahrain has become the first telecom operator in Bahrain to accept cryptocurrencies through its partnership with Eazy Financial Services, a leading Bahraini Payment Services provider specializing in POS and online payment gateway. EazyPay uses BinancePay and wallet to offer this service to more than 5000 POS terminals in Bahrain. 

The collaboration with Eazy Financial Services is a strategic step from stc Bahrain towards expanding the payment options with the future of currency to address the increasing demand for flexible and easy-to-use crypto payments. 

stc Bahrain CEO Nezar Banabeela, stated, “Rapid digitization across the globe is transforming all aspects of our lives, and payments are the most crucial element. From online shopping and streaming videos to money transfers, almost every digital activity relies on a payment system. We are incredibly proud to be the first telecom operator in Bahrain to accept cryptocurrency payments, a demonstration of our strong focus on advancing Bahrain’s fintech sector as world-class digital enablers. We continue to leverage the potential of the digital economy, which is limitless, make accepting crypto a seamless process and increase adoption as crypto is the future of payments.”

Nayef Tawfiq Al Alawi, Founder & CEO of Eazy Financial Services, added,”  We are very proud today to become the partners of STC Bahrain, The world-class digital enabler. This Partnership enables stc Bahrain to be the first telecom operator in the Kingdom to accept cryptocurrency payments in a regulated, secure and extremely fast manner. The benefits of bringing in EazyPay to STC Bahrain will ensure simple and effective transaction journeys for customers, with a partner which is able to ensure first-class service.” 

While, Tameem Al Moosawi, General Manager at Binance Bahrain, said:  “stc is known to be at the forefront of technology and innovation and, with this partnership, has set the benchmark for how telecom operators can enable the transition to the Web3 economy by accepting crypto payments. We are excited to be collaborating in this space to streamline services for customers and is once again a testament to Bahrain’s progressive regulatory framework and banking structure” 

tAt the same time Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Co (GIG Bahrain) has signed a payment services agreement with Eazy Financial Services ‘EazyPay’, Bahrain’s leading and most innovative payment services provider to allow for crypto payments  via ‘Binance App’, which is regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, making GIG Bahrain the first insurance company in the Mena region to accept premium payments as crypto assets payments in  regulated, secure and extremely fast manner.

The home of Bahrain’s F1 Grand Prix now accepting crypto payments

The home of Bahrain’s F1 Grand Prix now accepting crypto payments

Bahrain international Circuit is now accepting crypto payments using Bahrain’s Eazy Financial services, which has a partnership with Binance.

Using EazyPay, BIC will be provided with POS terminals at BIC outlets that will accept all types of debit and credit cards from Visa and MasterCard as well as the latest methods of payment using crypto assets via Binance application.

BIC is now the first International Circuit in the World to accept crypto assets Payments in a regulated, secure and extremely fast manner. 35,000 fans attended the F1 Grand Prix race in 2022 which is held at Bahrain international circuit.

The benefits of bringing in EazyPay to BIC will ensure simple and effective transaction journeys for customers, with a partner which is able to ensure first-class service.

“We are pleased to have brought on Eazy Financial Services as a POS service provider,” BIC Chief Commercial Officer Sherif Al Mahdy said.

“The services they offer will benefit our operations greatly while offering a smooth, hassle-free experience for our customers. We look forward to further building on our relationship for the benefit of both our companies.”

Nayef Tawfiq Al Alawi, Founder & CEO of Eazy Financial Services, said they are very proud to become the partners of the Bahrain International Circuit, the home of Motorsports in the Middle East, by providing EazyPay competitive, and innovative payment services.

Tameem Al Moosawi, General Manager of Binance Bahrain, said they are excited to welcome ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’ to the Web 3 Economy stating “This agreement enables BIC to become the first international racing circuit in the world to accept crypto-asset payments through Binance Pay’s partnership with EazyPay, showcasing how the Kingdom of Bahrain is continuously in the forefront, supporting regional & global players in keeping up with global trends.”

In late September 2022, Bahrain EazyPay, a payments solution provider, partnered with Binance’s Binance Pay to launch a regulated and approved crypto payments service offering in the Kingdom.

At the time, Nayef Tawfiq Al Alawi, Founder, MD & CEO of Eazy in Bahrain stated on LinkedIn,  “Now you can pay in stores with any preferred Cryptocurrency using Binance App.  A special thanks goes to Central Bank of Bahrain, Binance and Eazy Financial Services B.S.C (Closed) teams.”

UAE Bike and electric mobility retailer to offer crypto payment services with Binance

UAE Bike and electric mobility retailer to offer crypto payment services with Binance

Binance Pay is once again being used in the UAE to buy products using cryptocurrencies. UAE based Bikeera, a retailer for bicycles, scooters, electric mobility vehicles has teamed up with Binance Pay to offer virtual asset payment services.

Bikeera says the move aims to help reduce GHG emissions, carbon footprint and improve the health and lifestyle of GCC residents. Purchasers can pay in BNB, Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Already Majid Al Futtaim, Virtuzone, Palazzo Versace, EazyPay and others are using Binance Pay in the region.

Anthony Boukather, CEO of Bikeera, stated, “Bikeera aims to provide sustainable mobility alternatives that promote a healthy lifestyle and a better planet. By partnering up with Binance, we are giving more flexibility to customers in terms of payment methods. We are proud to have been selected as one of the first companies in this program, and would like to congratulate Binance on their recent announcement about receiving the MVP license from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). This most recent license is an acknowledgement of the compliance and safety processes behind the Binance ecosystem.”

Nadeem Ladki, executive director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Binance added, “Binance is committed to supporting innovative and impact driven businesses such as Bikeera. As a leader in this space, Bikeera’s decision to accept virtual assets payments via Binance Pay empowers the sports community in the UAE and helps with the adoption of more efficient payment methods.”

EazyPay and Binance to offer crypto payments in Bahrain

EazyPay and Binance to offer crypto payments in Bahrain

Bahrain EazyPay, a payments solution provider,  has partnered with Binance’s Binance Pay to launch a regulated and approved crypto payments service offering in the Kingdom.

Nayef Tawfiq Al Alawi, Founder, MD & CEO of Eazy in Bahrain stated on LinkedIn,  “Now you can pay in stores with any preferred Cryptocurrency using Binance App.  A special thanks goes to Central Bank of Bahrain, Binance and Eazy Financial Services B.S.C (Closed) teams.” 

‎‏Eazy Financial Services “EazyPay”, a  Bahraini financial institute specialized in Point-of-Sale (POS) & Online Payment Gateway Acquiring services licensed & regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, has partnered with Binance, to offer crypto  payments using “Binance Pay” over “EazyPay”  across 5000+ Point-of- Sale (POS) Terminals & Online Payment gateways in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Merchants such as ‎‏ Lulu Hypermarket, Sharaf DG and Al Zain Jewellery as well as local favorites such as Jasmi’s will now be able to accept 70+ cryptocurrencies from “Binance Pay” customers in a very fast & extremely secure way.

Customers can pay at Merchants Stores in “Real-Time” with cryptocurrency by simply scanning the generated QR from Eazy’s POS using their Binance App and pay with preferred cryptocurrency.