Network International and Carrefour implement PopID’s face verification platform, a first for biometric payments in the UAE

In a first for biometric payments in the UAE, Network International, the leading enabler of digital commerce in the Middle East and Africa region, and Carrefour, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim in the UAE, announced today that they have implemented the Face Pay face verification platform for payments from consumer authentication service provider PopID. 

Customers to Carrefour stores in Deira and Amsaf are now able to purchase food, daily essentials, and more using Face Pay. Consumers can enroll for the service through the Carrefour mobile app or website, and then purchase products at Carrefour by smiling at a payment terminal instead of pulling out a phone or card. This solution is based on proprietary facial recognition technology developed by PopID, and provisioned through Network International’s acceptance network for mass adoption across the UAE.

“Carrefour is a leader in introducing new technologies that enhance the customer experience, whilst finding solutions that can eliminate friction,” said Bernardo Perloiro, Chief Operating Officer - GCC at Majid Futtaim Retail. “Face verification will make it easier and more convenient for our customers to check out efficiently – without having to reach for their wallets. This safe, seamless payment method only takes a few seconds, and we are excited to be one of the first retailers to be rolling this out across the UAE in partnership with PopID and Network International.” 

“We are thrilled to continue driving the evolution of biometric payments with the UAE’s first-of-its-kind face verification platform. Face Pay aims to make checkouts quick, convenient and seamless for a superior customer experience, and secure businesses from potential fraud with robust security protocols,” said Andrew Key, Group Managing Director – Acquiring at Network International. “Network International is proud to be the first acquirer to launch Face Pay-enabled biometric payments acceptance in the country. With a strong track record of leading payments innovation in the region, we aim to continue investing in strategic partnerships that further the potential of payments across the UAE.”

“In America and Japan, we have demonstrated that allowing consumers to link Face Pay to loyalty accounts and payment methods enhances revenue, increases speed of ordering and check out, drives loyalty engagement, and reduces fraud,” said John Miller, CEO of PopID and investment company, Cali Group.  “We are excited to implement the platform with Carrefour and Network International in grocery for the first time in this region.”