Mastercard unveils range of initiatives lined up for Expo 2020 Dubai

The official payment technology partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, Mastercard, has unveiled its Cube installation that delves into the future of digital payments.

The installation will immerse visitors in a range of multi-sensory experiences as they embark on “priceless journeys tailored to their passion, including sport, food and music, plus being a ‘force for good’,” according to a statement issued by Mastercard.

At the Cube, mixed reality content will showcase the company’s innovation, and demonstrate how the its payment technology will evolve in the future.

Mastercard will also reveal an installation dedicated to its Priceless Planet Coalition, which aims to plant 100 million trees worldwide over five years. The concept, led by Mastercard and joined by Expo 2020 Dubai, will invite visitors to learn more about Mastercard’s efforts in bringing together governments, businesses and consumers in combatting the effects of climate change, offering them an opportunity to become part of the network and contribute towards a greener future.

Expo visitors can also donate to Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition upon checkout as an add-on feature as they purchase their tickets to the mega event.

Supporting Expo 2020 Dubai’s commitment to create a more equitable future, Mastercard will work closely with Expo to host a range of activities at the Women’s Pavilion to celebrate the successes of women leaders and offer a platform for female voices that will culminate in a legacy project to be jointly launched early next year.

Mastercard will also be bringing together the region’s small business community with a series of on-ground and virtual workshops.

The company added that its senior executives from across the globe will be visiting the Expo to offer insights as part its knowledge-sharing initiatives.

“With one of the world’s biggest economic and cultural milestones fast approaching, Mastercard is geared to welcome people from across the globe and connect them to unforgettable experiences filled with Priceless possibilities. Together with Expo 2020 Dubai, we have curated a journey that will excite, inspire and mobilise millions of visitors,” said Khalid Elgibali, division president – MENA, Mastercard.

Also at the Expo, PepsiCo has partnered with Mastercard, to open a Pepsi Go unmanned store driven by AI technology and contactless payments. Customers use their payment cards to open the kiosk’s doors. Inside, the store uses AI and computer recognition technology to track the PepsiCo snacks and beverages that the shoppers select. Once they’re ready to check out, they can exit the gates and the amount will be automatically deducted from their cards via the Mastercard Payment Gateway Services without them having to queue and bill the items. “For over two years, we have been developing this checkout experience for the region alongside our strategic partners PepsiCo, and we are thrilled to see it come to life for Expo 2020 Dubai,” said Gaurang Shah, senior vice president, product management, digital payments and labs, Middle East and Africa at Mastercard.