American Express Middle East Expands Card Acceptance in the UAE Through Agreement with Network International

Dubai, UAE

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 85,000+ new locations across the UAE.

The agreement makes Network International the first fintech working 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 International’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 International is an important step in enabling our Card Members to now use their Cards at 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 International, said: “As the MEA region’s leading Merchant acquirer, Network International is connecting businesses and consumers at an exceptional scale and reliability.We are proud to launch another first for our region 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.”[XR1] 

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.