A survey published by digital security specialist Gemalto has shown a high demand for contactless and NFC payments in Dubai, with 85% of those polled saying they would 'like' or 'love' to use their mobile handset as a contactless payment method and 72% seeing no obstacle at all when using mobile NFC.

Only 5% cited security as being a problem and only 16% of respondents said they had never heard of the technology before.

The ability to download electronic tickets for theatres, concerts and sporting events were the most desirable mobile contactless applications, together with mobile NFC based identity and access badges in the working place.

The survey also found that 80% would either 'like' or 'love' the opportunity to use contactless cards on a regular basis. 87% recognise contactless payment as a way to streamline everyday activities by shortening waiting queues at the tills when shopping or commuting.

The survey was conducted at the end of 2012 by Salience Research using face-to-face interviews with Dubai residents aged from 18 to 55.