[LOOK] UAE’s First Smartphone Vending Machine

In the country’s bid to become a global destination, where technology and innovation can be accessed right at a person’s fingertips, new offerings to enhance accessibility and communication are regularly being introduced in the market for residents and travelers to benefit from.

And as the national government focuses on enhancing its primary services to promote happiness among residents and guests in the country, companies and business processes have signed up with the government to provide enhancements that would improve the overall delivery of services in the UAE.

Travelers Can Now Buy Smartphones from Vending Machines in UAE

In line with this, telcom firm Etisalat has launched a smartphone self-service vending machine by partnering with ADNOC Distribution, the fuel distributor and convenience store operator in the UAE, as shared in a report by Arabian Business.

The machine will provide customers 24/7 access and a 5-minute turnaround time to buy a smartphone automatically.

The launch is part of an initiative launched by the two entities to ensure the provision of high-quality services and deliver an enhanced customer experience in the country.

The first machine is available at the ADNOC Distribution service station located on the Abu Dhabi Corniche.

The vending machine offers a range of handsets and accessories for both Android and iOS. When prompted, a customer inserts his or her Emirates ID card, checks the personal information displayed on the screen, enters or modifies the mobile number, and selects the item and the payment method. Both cash and credit cards are accepted. The machine will dispense the product and receipt at the end of the transaction.

According to Sultan Mohamed Al Dhaheri, general manager, Etisalat Abu Dhabi, “We are delighted to be partnering with ADNOC Distribution in this pilot project to promote and make the availability of Etisalat mobile products and services at a prime location in Abu Dhabi.

He added that the launch of the UAE’s first self-service vending machine at ADNOC Distribution’s service station emphasizes that company’s strong commitment to innovation and adopting the latest retail technologies to deliver digital and a seamless shopping experience for customers.

For his part, Saeed Al Rashdi, acting CEO, ADNOC Distribution, shared: “This vending machine is a great example of a new fast-track service being made available to serve the needs of today’s digital world… Innovations such as this smartphone vending machine are retail additions that we welcome at our service stations.”

Residents as well as foreign travellers in the country can take advantage of this service, when they are in need of a phone service when travelling from one place to another.

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