Ziina and Virtuzone partner to deliver unified payments and instant settlement to UAE SMEs
DUBAI, UAE – March 12, 2026 — Ziina and Virtuzone announced a strategic partnership to integrate seamless payments with company formation services, empowering UAE SMEs with instant settlement and unified transaction management. The collaboration enables merchants to accept payments across online and in-person channels while gaining immediate fund access via the Ziina Card. With over 1.4 million companies registered in the UAE by end-2025, the partnership addresses critical cash flow needs amid the country’s SME boom.
Overview
The partnership embeds Ziina’s regulated payment gateway into Virtuzone’s ecosystem. Newly formed businesses via Virtuzone can deploy Ziina’s solutions for payment links, QR codes, Tap to Pay on iPhone/Android, card acceptance, and bank transfers. Key benefits include instant settlement for immediate liquidity and spendable funds through the Ziina Card via Apple Pay and Google Pay. Virtuzone, Dubai-based since 2009, has supported over 80,000 entrepreneurs; Ziina serves more than 260,000 users. Specific transaction volumes were undisclosed.
Announcement Specifics
The partnership embeds Ziina’s regulated payment gateway into Virtuzone’s ecosystem. Newly formed businesses via Virtuzone can deploy Ziina’s solutions for payment links, QR codes, Tap to Pay on iPhone/Android, card acceptance, and bank transfers. Key benefits include instant settlement for immediate liquidity and spendable funds through the Ziina Card via Apple Pay and Google Pay. Virtuzone, Dubai-based since 2009, has supported over 80,000 entrepreneurs; Ziina serves more than 260,000 users. Specific transaction volumes were undisclosed.
Stakeholder Perspectives
“Entrepreneurs launching businesses prioritise speed, simplicity, and early revenue generation. Payments infrastructure plays a critical role from the moment a company begins operating. Through our partnership with Virtuzone, founders can easily deploy Ziina’s payment solutions, enabling them to accept payments, access funds instantly, and manage cash flow with greater control from day one.”
— Faisal Toukan, Co-Founder and CEO at Ziina
Why it matters: The statement underscores the partnership’s focus on day-one operational readiness, vital for cash-strapped startups.
“Company formation and corporate services are fundamentally about enabling businesses to become operational with speed, while ensuring full compliance and a robust foundation for scalable growth. Payment acceptance represents a critical component of that readiness. Integrating Ziina into the Virtuzone ecosystem provides our clients with a seamless, regulated solution aligned with the realities of modern commerce in the UAE.”
— George Hojeige, Group CEO at Virtuzone
Why it matters: It highlights compliance-aligned fintech integration, reducing barriers for SMEs.
Industry Context
SMEs comprise 94% of UAE registered companies and employ 86% of the private workforce, fueled by non-oil reforms and digital initiatives. Visa research shows over 70% of UAE merchants reported revenue growth from digital payments, with 68% tying expansion to diverse methods. Virtuzone, part of Ascentium, has aided more than 63,000 entities across 23 markets. This deal amplifies fintech’s role in SME scaling, potentially boosting conversions and stability in a market exceeding 1.4 million firms as Dubai positions the UAE as an entrepreneurship hub.
Conclusion
This partnership sets a benchmark for fintech-corporate service synergies, poised to accelerate UAE SME growth and liquidity. Future expansions may target multi-emirate rollouts, solidifying Dubai’s fintech leadership.
