Banks across the Middle East are increasingly partnering with specialised payment providers as digital commerce accelerates and merchants demand more sophisticated acquiring capabilities. Outsourcing payment infrastructure to dedicated fintech platforms allows financial institutions to scale merchant services while focusing on core banking activities.
RAKBANK and Network International have officially finalised a landmark strategic partnership following the successful completion of their merchant-acquiring transaction. This follows the initial agreement announced in late 2025 and comes after securing all necessary regulatory approvals from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates. As a direct result of this partnership, Network International will deploy its advanced payment solutions to serve RAKBANK‘s diverse customer base. This includes a wide array of small and medium enterprises as well as large corporate entities. The move is designed to significantly strengthen the positions of both organisations within the rapidly expanding payments and fintech ecosystem in the region.
Network International will offer a variety of innovative value-added services specifically designed to empower the local business community. These initiatives directly support the United Arab Emirates’ broader Digital Economy Strategy. Furthermore, the acquisition allows the firm to meet the rising demand for digital commerce solutions in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. This particular region is currently poised for significant economic development and infrastructure growth. Both RAKBANK and Network International intend to work in close coordination with existing merchants during this period. This collaboration ensures a seamless transition for businesses and provides immediate access to the enhanced payment capabilities enabled by this partnership.
This milestone reflects a shared long-term commitment to driving innovation and enhancing businesses’ financial capabilities across the country. RAKBANK continues to maintain an exceptionally strong balance sheet with high levels of capital and liquidity. These metrics are among the highest in the UAE banking sector and provide a solid foundation for future investment. The bank remains focused on delivering its core strategy of being a digital bank with a human touch. This philosophy ensures that while the bank adopts cutting-edge technology, it continues to support its customers during key life moments with personalised attention.
Established in 1976, the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah is one of the oldest and most dynamic financial institutions in the region. The government of Ras Al Khaimah holds a majority stake in the bank, which is publicly traded on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. With a network of 21 physical branches and advanced digital banking solutions, the institution offers a comprehensive range of personal, wholesale, and business banking services. Through its dedicated Islamic banking unit, RAKIslamic, it also provides Sharia-compliant services to meet the specific requirements of its diverse client base. This acquisition by Network International represents a pivotal shift in how merchant services are delivered in the UAE. It allows RAKBANK to leverage the specialised expertise of a dedicated payment provider while focusing on its core lending and deposit functions. As the digital economy continues to mature, such partnerships become essential for maintaining competitive advantages in a high-growth market.
Key takeaways
- RAKBANK and Network International have completed a strategic merchant-acquiring partnership
- Network International will provide payment processing and merchant solutions to RAKBANK’s SME and corporate clients
- The agreement received regulatory approval from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates
- Merchants will gain access to advanced digital payment tools and value-added services
- The partnership supports the UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy and expanding e-commerce ecosystem
- Designed to strengthen payment capabilities in Ras Al Khaimah’s growing business sector
- Reflects a broader trend of banks collaborating with fintech payment specialists to modernise merchant services
