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Western Union expands kiosk network in UAE

Western Union recently announced the release of automated self-service kiosks in the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

October 1, 2014

Western Union recently announced the release of automated self-service kiosks in the United Arab Emirates that allow customers to pay bills and send money worldwide, as well as a new collaboration with Walgreens in the U.S.

The UAE touchscreen kiosks are available on a 24/7 basis, and the money transfer company has activated more than 580 kiosks in banks, gas stations, government facilities, hospitals, supermarkets and more across seven UAE countries, the company said.

"The Western Union service on the kiosks has been activated in conjunction with two of our key agents in the UAE — Al Fardan Exchange and Sharaf Exchange. The project will continue to expand in scope over the coming months to eventually increase our kiosk network in the UAE to over 800 touchpoints," said Jean Claude Farah, Western Union president, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe and CIS. 

Customers can process utility bill payments, top-ups and other payment transactions at the kiosks. UAE users must first register at Al Fardan Exchange or Sharaf Exchange locations and present a valid ID. Staff will issue customers a receipt of their information along with their Western Union login ID and PIN by SMS.

In the U.S., Western Union has collaborated with Walgreens to launch "stage-and-pay" kiosk models across the Walgreens Balance Financial Platforms, according to a press release.

Now customers at Duane Reade and Walgreens locations in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 49 states can send or receive money at one of 7,650 locations. The kiosks operate on a photo touchscreen, and customers can confirm transactions immediately or at another time the same day.

The expansion pushes the Western Union count to more than 50,000 locations in the U.S.

"Western Union’s advanced point-of-sale model enhances access and experience by simplifying process, granting control and facilitating speedy service end-to-end for customers, as well as retail agents," said Odilon Almeida, Western Union president, Americas and European Union.

Western Union plans to roll out money transfer across multiple channels, adding a smartphone application and customer service hotline, the company said.