Integrating a payment gateway is a critical step in launching a successful website or mobile app. It acts as your business’s digital checkout system — and just like a physical register, it needs to function reliably and efficiently. However, many businesses face challenges when implementing the best payment gateway UAE has to offer. From technical bugs to hidden fees, the wrong setup can cost you trust, time, and money.
For your customers, a failed payment attempt can mean a broken experience and lost trust. For you, it may mean lost revenue and increased stress.
In this guide, we’ll explore the common challenges businesses face when setting up a payment gateway in the UAE and offer actionable solutions to overcome them. The goal? A seamless, secure, and satisfying payment experience for both you and your customers.
1. Challenge: Choosing the Right Payment Gateway
Why it's a problem:
There are SO many options Foloosi,Telr , PayTabs, and more. Each has different features, fees, countries supported, and API systems.
Solution:
- Make a list of what you need: recurring payments, international support, settlement time.
- Compare gateways on those features.
- Read reviews and try sandbox testing before making the final decision.
Pro tip: Choose a secure payment gateway that supports your local currency and offers good customer support in your region.
2. Challenge: Complex Documentation and APIs
Why it's a problem:
Developers often find API docs overwhelming or incomplete. It slows down development or causes confusion.
Solution:
- Choose gateways with simple, well-documented APIs.
- Look for platforms that provide SDKs, sample codes, and 24/7 dev support.
- Use tools like Postman to test APIs before production.
Pro tip: Foloosi offers easy-to-understand documentation that’s beginner-friendly and developer-approved!
3. Challenge: Security and PCI Compliance
Why it's a problem:
Handling card data requires meeting PCI-DSS standards. This can be complicated and expensive.
Solution:
- Use gateways that handle card data for you (PCI-compliant hosted checkout pages).
- Don’t store sensitive card details unless absolutely required.
Pro tip: Use tokenization and SSL certificates to add extra layers of security.
4. Challenge: Integration Bugs and Failed Transactions
Why it's a problem:
No one likes a failed payment. It results in lost revenue and annoyed customers.
Solution:
- Test all payment flows (success, failure, cancel, timeout) in a sandbox environment.
- Monitor logs during integration to catch and resolve bugs early.
- Use retry logic and graceful error messages.
Pro tip: Foloosi’s dashboard gives real-time error logs and transaction reports to help you fix issues faster.
5. Challenge: Mobile Responsiveness
Why it's a problem:
60-70% of users shop via mobile. If your payment screen isn’t optimized, you’ll lose them.
Solution:
- Choose a gateway with mobile-optimized SDKs or responsive hosted pages.
- Test on multiple devices before going live.
Pro tip: Keep it clean and simple. No one likes typing too much on mobile.
6. Challenge: Checkout Abandonment
Why it's a problem:
Long or complicated checkout flows increase cart abandonment.
Solution:
- Minimize steps to complete a payment.
- Enable guest checkouts.
- Offer multiple payment methods (Apple Pay, Google Pay, cards, UPI, etc.)
Pro tip: Foloosi supports multiple local and international payment options—all in one API.
7. Challenge: Currency & Regional Restrictions
Why it's a problem:
Many gateways don’t support certain currencies or countries.
Solution:
- Pick a payment gateway that works in your region and supports multi-currency payments.
- Confirm that settlement works with your bank.
Pro tip: Foloosi is built for businesses in the UAE, supporting AED and regional compliance.
8. Challenge: Lack of Customization
Why it's a problem:
Some hosted payment pages can’t be branded. This breaks trust with customers.
Solution:
- Look for gateways that allow customization of payment pages.
- If you need full control, choose API integration over hosted.
Pro tip: Branded checkout improves conversion rates. Keep it consistent with your theme.
9. Challenge: Delayed Settlements and Hidden Charges
Why it's a problem:
Nothing’s worse than finding unexpected charges or waiting too long for your money.
Solution:
- Clarify the settlement cycle with your provider before onboarding.
- Read the fine print regarding transaction fees, refund charges, etc.
Pro tip: Transparent pricing = less stress. Foloosi displays all charges upfront.
10. Challenge: Poor Customer Support
Why it's a problem:
When something breaks, you NEED help fast. Long wait times or auto-replies don’t cut it.
Solution:
- Pick gateways with live chat or local support.
- Test their response during your trial phase.
Pro tip: The quality of support can make all the difference in the user experience. Foloosi stands out for its top-notch customer support, based right here in the UAE.
