KOSMO CASH: Analysis of the ATM Market in Dubai
Dubai attracts over 17 million tourists annually (2023), creating high demand for cash for tips, transportation, and purchases at markets. KOSMO CASH can capitalize on key high-demand locations including DXB and DWC airports, tourist areas like Downtown, Marina and JBR, as well as hotels, malls, and attractions.
Despite the growth of cashless payments, around 30-40% of tourists continue to use cash. Key issues KOSMO CASH addresses include high fees for foreign card withdrawals, strategic ATM placement in niche locations, and multilingual interfaces. Potential revenue from a single KOSMO CASH ATM is 1000-3000 AED per month, with low competition outside the city center.

by Mikhail Berlizev

KOSMO CASH: Opportunities for ATM Operators
KOSMO CASH ATM operators in Dubai have significant business opportunities, especially when targeting the tourism segment. Implementing multilingual interfaces, including Russian and Chinese, can significantly improve the user experience for foreign visitors.
Integrating advertising on KOSMO CASH ATM screens provides an additional revenue stream, and strategic partnerships with hotels and travel agencies ensure a steady flow of customers. Particularly promising is the placement of KOSMO CASH ATMs in underutilized areas, such as beaches, markets, and even sightseeing boats.
Multilingual Interfaces
KOSMO CASH adapts to Russian, Chinese, and other languages for the comfort of foreign tourists
Advertising Opportunities
Using KOSMO CASH ATM screens to promote local services and products
Strategic Partnerships
Collaboration with hotels, travel agencies, and tourism companies for KOSMO CASH placement
Niche Locations
KOSMO CASH placement in underutilized but high-demand tourist areas
Specifics of Russian Tourists
Russian tourists make up a significant segment of Dubai's visitors - more than 1.2 million people in 2023, placing Russia in the TOP 5 countries by number of arrivals in the UAE. The average length of stay for Russian guests is 7 to 21 days, which is higher than the average.
A distinctive feature of this group is the high demand for cash, as Mir payment system cards do not work in the UAE. Russian tourists often use cards from other countries, UnionPay or crypto cards. They prefer the JBR, Dubai Marina, Downtown areas, as well as shopping malls and beaches.
High Demand for Cash
70% of Russian tourists regularly withdraw cash
Alternative Payment Methods
Use of cards from other countries, UnionPay, crypto cards
Family Tourism
Often travel with families and for an extended period
Language Barrier
Prefer services with a Russian-language interface
KOSMO CASH: Assessment of the Commission Income Market
The market for commission income from ATMs in Dubai represents significant financial potential. The total volume of commissions from all tourists is estimated at around 240 million AED per year, given that about 35% of the 17 million tourists use cash, making an average of 1.5 withdrawals with a fee of around 18 AED.
The Russian segment is particularly attractive: out of 1.2 million tourists, about 70% regularly use cash, making an average of 2 withdrawals per trip. With an average fee of at least 50 AED or 3% of the amount (which is higher than the average) and an average transaction of 600-1000 AED, the total volume of commissions from Russian tourists reaches approximately 84 million AED per year.
240M
AED per year
Total volume of commissions from all tourists
84M
AED per year
Commissions only from Russian tourists
70%
Russian tourists
Regularly use cash
50+
AED commission
Average commission for Russian tourists
KOSMO CASH: Market Forecast and Conclusions
Tourist flow to Dubai will continue to grow by 5-7% annually over the next three years. Although the share of tourists using cash may gradually decrease, it will remain stable in certain niches, especially among Russian, Chinese and Indian tourists.
The Russian tourist flow maintains consistently high levels due to visa accessibility and the availability of direct flights. If restrictions on international transfers for Russians are strengthened, the demand for convenient cash operations may increase significantly.
High Potential
Stable growth in tourism and demand for cash
Strategic Locations
Placement in key tourist zones
Partnerships
Collaboration with hotels and travel agencies
Language Adaptation
Russian-language interface for the target audience
Premium Commission
High profitability from the Russian segment
KOSMO CASH: Network Launch Plan
The project implementation plan includes sequential stages from legal entity registration to network scaling with asset tokenization.
Each ATM will be linked to an NFT or tokenized unit, providing liquidity for investments.
KOSMO CASH: Project Implementation Stages
Licensing
Registration of a legal entity in the UAE and obtaining a payment provider license.
Preparation of AML/KYC policies. Duration: 4-6 months.
Installation of 100 ATMs
Placement in key tourist areas: airports, JBR, Marina, Downtown.
Partnership with hotels and shopping malls. Duration: 2-3 months.
Network Tokenization
Development of the KosmoCash Token and linking ATMs to NFTs.
Issuance through DAO or CeFi platforms. Duration: 3 months.
Franchise Model
Tokenized franchises with revenue share for partners.
Expansion to other emirates and MENA countries.
Scaling
Increase the network to 3,000 ATMs within 3-5 years.
Combination of owned and franchised locations.
Payroll Integration
Partnership with HR platforms for salary payments through KosmoCash.
Potential revenue: 113 million AED per year.
Microlending
Payday loans with algorithmic scoring.
Profitability: 5-10% per annum on each loan.
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