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Cash on delivery in the UAE: a guide for Shopify stores

By the COD Confirmation teamUpdated 2 min read

Most UAE shoppers pay by card or digital wallet, but cash on delivery is still widely offered and used, especially for first orders and orders from social media ads. To make COD work in the UAE, confirm every order on WhatsApp in English and Arabic, collect a precise address (building, flat number, or a Makani number in Dubai), make any COD fee clear and ship within a day or two.

Key takeaways

  • COD is still common in the UAE, especially for first-time customers.
  • Send confirmations in English and Arabic to reach a multilingual audience.
  • Collect building and flat numbers, or a Makani number in Dubai.
  • Customers expect fast delivery, so ship confirmed orders quickly.

How cash on delivery works in the UAE

The UAE is one of the most digital markets in the region: most orders are paid by card, Apple Pay or buy-now-pay-later. Cash on delivery still matters for shoppers trying a new store, buying from social media ads, or who simply prefer to pay on arrival. Couriers collect the amount in dirhams (AED), usually charge a COD fee, and transfer the cash back to the store.

Why COD orders get refused in the UAE

  • Impulse orders from Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat ads.
  • Incomplete addresses: a tower name without the flat number, or a villa without the community or street.
  • The customer isn’t available at the delivery time.
  • Slow delivery, in a market where next-day delivery is a common expectation.
  • COD fees the customer didn’t expect.

Couriers and delivery

UAE stores commonly use Aramex, Emirates Post, and last-mile companies such as iMile, Quiqup and Shipa, among others. Compare COD fees, same-day or next-day options, coverage across the emirates and payout times.

Confirming COD orders in the UAE

A bilingual WhatsApp confirmation works well for the UAE’s mixed audience:

English + Arabic
Hi {{1}} 👋 Thanks for your order {{3}} from {{2}}. Amount to pay on delivery: {{4}} Delivery to: {{5}} مرحباً {{1}}، يرجى تأكيد طلبك. المبلغ عند الاستلام: {{4}}
✅ Confirm / تأكيد
❌ Cancel / إلغاء

Tips for UAE stores:

  • Ask for the flat or villa number and community name if they’re missing; in Dubai, a Makani number helps.
  • Offer to switch to prepaid in the reply, for customers who’d rather pay by card.
  • Confirm a delivery time window for customers who work long hours.
  • Ship confirmed orders quickly; next-day delivery is a common expectation.

More messages in English and Arabic: WhatsApp COD confirmation templates. Selling in Saudi Arabia too? See cash on delivery in Saudi Arabia.

Checklist for COD stores in the UAE

  • Confirm every COD order, in English and Arabic.
  • Collect building, flat number and area; ask Dubai customers for a Makani number.
  • Make the COD fee clear at checkout.
  • Ship confirmed orders within a day or two.
  • Track refusals by emirate, ad channel and courier.

Questions merchants ask

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Email info@usewhapi.com.

Is cash on delivery still used in the UAE?
Yes. Card and wallet payments dominate, but many shoppers still choose cash on delivery, particularly when they’re buying from a store for the first time or from an ad. Couriers usually charge a COD fee, which stores either absorb or pass on.
What is a Makani number?
Makani is Dubai’s geographic addressing system. Every building entrance has a unique 10-digit Makani number that points couriers to the exact location. Asking Dubai customers for it during confirmation can reduce failed deliveries.
Which language should UAE confirmations use?
English reaches most customers, and adding Arabic shows care for Emirati and Arab customers. Many stores send a bilingual message, or choose the language based on the customer’s checkout language.

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