Software Services

In the bustling culinary landscape of the United Arab Emirates, technology has emerged as a powerful enabler for restaurant businesses. As food culture evolves and customer expectations increase, restaurant owners are leaning on innovative tools to stay competitive, efficient, and profitable. At the center of this transformation lies the restaurant POS system — a digital command center that manages orders, payments, inventory, and customer engagement.

According to a 2024 survey by Statista, over 78% of restaurant operators in the UAE stated that their POS system is integral to day-to-day operations. With increasing demand for fast service, delivery integrations, and real-time data access, the right POS software can significantly boost a restaurant’s revenue and reputation.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top restaurant POS systems in UAE for 2025, discuss why these systems are critical for your business, and help you choose the best solution for your unique needs.

Understanding Restaurant POS Systems

A restaurant POS system (Point of Sale) is more than just a cash register. It is an all-in-one platform that helps restaurant staff manage orders, payments, kitchen communication, table management, inventory tracking, and customer loyalty programs.

Modern restaurant POS systems are usually cloud-based, enabling businesses to access real-time sales and operational data from any device. These systems often include mobile ordering, integrated payment solutions, QR-code-based menu access, and analytics dashboards.

Key features include:

• Order management (dine-in, takeout, delivery)
• Integrated billing and invoicing
• Inventory and stock alerts
• Staff management and shift scheduling
• Customer relationship management (CRM)
• Integration with food aggregators and delivery platforms

Why UAE Restaurants Need a POS System in 2025

Restaurants in the UAE face unique operational and cultural demands. From serving traditional Emirati dishes to catering to a diverse population of expats and tourists, restaurant owners must offer both efficiency and hospitality.

In 2025, having a powerful restaurant POS system is no longer optional. Here’s why:

• VAT Compliance: All restaurants in the UAE must ensure they issue VAT-compliant receipts. A POS automates tax calculations and invoice printing.
• Multilingual Support: UAE is home to a mix of Arabic, English, Hindi, and Urdu speakers. POS systems with multilingual UI can simplify staff onboarding and service.
• Mobile Payment Options: With the rise of platforms like Noqodi, Network International, and PayBy, integrating local payment methods is essential.
• Food Delivery Integration: Restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi often work with aggregators like Talabat, Deliveroo, and Careem. A modern POS allows direct integration for seamless order fulfillment.
• Remote Management: Cloud-based POS solutions help owners track business performance, even when managing multiple locations or operating from abroad.

UAE Culinary Culture: Merging Tradition with Tech

The UAE’s food scene is a blend of traditional Emirati recipes and modern global cuisine. As restaurants grow and modernize, there’s a strong focus on maintaining cultural authenticity while providing world-class service.

For example, a traditional Emirati restaurant serving traditional food of uae, Harees and Machboos can now use POS systems to manage customized ingredient portions, automate kitchen instructions in Arabic, and even track which dishes are most popular among tourists.

In Majlis-style dine-in areas, handheld POS devices help servers take orders on the go, reducing wait time and enhancing guest satisfaction. Moreover, during Ramadan and Eid, POS systems help track special buffet items and handle peak-hour billing smoothly.

6 Best Restaurant POS Systems in UAE (2025 Edition)

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the top restaurant POS systems used in the UAE:

POS System	Best For	Key Features	Price Range (AED/month)
SISGAIN POS	Custom Restaurants in UAE	Fully Custom, Arabic Menu, Local Gateway	Free Demo
Square for Restaurants	Small Cafes & Food Trucks	Intuitive UI, Online Ordering, Analytics	150 – 400
Toast POS	Fast Casual & QSRs	Tableside Payments, CRM, Delivery Sync	250 – 600
Lightspeed	Fine Dining & Multi-location	Multilingual UI, Inventory, Staff Mgmt	300 – 800
Revel Systems	High-Volume Restaurants	Real-time Reporting, Kitchen Display	350 – 950
POSist (UAE-Focused)	Local Chains & Cloud Kitchens	VAT Compliant, Arabic Support, CRM	200 – 500

SISGAIN POS

SISGAIN’s Restaurant POS is built with deep customization in mind. Designed for restaurants seeking flexible workflows, this POS offers native Arabic interface, smart kitchen routing, customized reporting, and full support for UAE-based payment gateways.

Unique benefits include:

• Custom dish modifiers for traditional menus
• Table ordering with QR codes
• Dynamic pricing for events and seasonal menus
• Integration with SISGAIN’s mobile food delivery and kitchen management apps

If you’re looking to align your restaurant operations with local traditions and tech efficiency, SISGAIN POS offers unbeatable adaptability.

Square for Restaurants

Square is a lightweight, cloud-based POS that’s ideal for startups, food trucks, and small cafes. It offers a beautifully simple interface, enabling staff to take orders quickly and accept payments instantly. Restaurants in UAE malls and beachfront areas favor Square for its fast deployment and minimal setup cost.

It also offers online ordering integrations and a dashboard to track sales by category. However, advanced customization is limited, which may not suit large or traditional restaurants.

Toast POS

Toast is a powerful, restaurant-specific POS system known for its strong mobile-first approach. Popular among fast-casual dining businesses in Dubai, Toast supports real-time order tracking, digital receipts, and seamless table-side payments.

It also offers robust marketing and loyalty tools that help attract and retain regular customers. The downside? Toast is hardware-specific, which could increase upfront investment.

Lightspeed Restaurant POS

Lightspeed is a robust POS designed for fine-dining establishments and restaurant groups with multiple locations. It features strong inventory management tools, staff performance tracking, and multilingual interfaces—making it perfect for high-end restaurants in Downtown Dubai or Abu Dhabi Corniche.

One of its key strengths is the ability to track kitchen wastage and optimize ingredient usage. Lightspeed also integrates well with UAE tax and accounting platforms.

Revel Systems

Revel Systems offers enterprise-level POS features that work well for busy dining areas and multi-branch restaurants. Its hybrid system works both online and offline, ensuring no data loss during internet outages.

Revel includes a digital kitchen display system (KDS), live inventory updates, and predictive analytics—making it a favorite for large operations and hotel dining setups.

POSist (UAE-Focused)

POSist is tailored specifically for UAE and GCC markets. It supports Arabic and English interfaces, includes built-in VAT invoicing, and offers granular control over kitchen workflows.

POSist also enables integration with third-party aggregators and offers a loyalty platform. Its relatively low monthly cost and strong local support make it a popular choice among cloud kitchens and local food chains.

If you’re looking to align your restaurant operations with local traditions and tech efficiency, SISGAIN POS offers unbeatable adaptability.

Choosing the Right POS for Your Restaurant Type

Different restaurant formats in the UAE require different POS capabilities. Here’s how to pick the best one for your format:

Traditional Emirati Kitchens

• Need support for local dishes, portion control, and Arabic instructions
• POSist or SISGAIN POS are ideal for these

Modern Cafes & Fusion Spots

• Require stylish interface, social media integration, and CRM
• Square or Toast POS fits best

Quick-Service Restaurants (QSRs)

• Fast order routing, kitchen display systems, and staff rotation
• Toast or Revel Systems provide high efficiency

Multi-Branch Chains

• Need centralized reporting, inventory sync, and multilingual support
• Lightspeed or Revel are strong options

Catering & Banquet Services

• Require flexible invoicing, bulk order management, and temporary staff onboarding
• SISGAIN POS offers custom modules for this segment

Case Studies: How POS is Empowering UAE Restaurants

Case 1: Al Hadeer Kitchen – Abu Dhabi
Before installing a POS system, Al Hadeer relied on handwritten tickets and manual billing. After switching to a cloud-based POS (POSist), order accuracy improved by 40%, and customer complaints dropped by 60%. The owner now manages multiple branches remotely.

Case 2: Cafe Majlis – Dubai
A modern Emirati cafe opted for SISGAIN’s POS to customize Arabic dish names and add loyalty programs. Within 3 months, return customers increased by 28%, and kitchen turnaround time decreased by 15%.

Key Considerations Before Investing in a POS System

Choosing the right POS is a strategic investment. Before finalizing your purchase, consider:

• Cloud vs. On-Premise: Cloud POS offers flexibility and real-time access; on-premise may work for single-location outlets.
• Hardware Compatibility: Some systems need proprietary devices; others run on tablets.
• Pricing Models: Some POS systems charge monthly; others take a percentage of sales.
• Arabic & English Support: Essential in the UAE for staff training and customer interaction.
• Payment Gateway Integration: Ensure compatibility with local providers like Noqodi and PayBy.
• Customer Support: Look for 24/7 support with local teams or live chat.

SISGAIN’s Restaurant POS: Built for the UAE Market

SISGAIN offers a feature-rich POS that aligns perfectly with the UAE’s diverse culinary and regulatory environment. Custom-built with Arabic interface, VAT-invoice generation, and multi-location access, SISGAIN POS simplifies operations and enhances customer service.

Key Advantages:

• Smart kitchen routing and ingredient-level inventory
• QR code-based menus and contactless ordering
• Integration with mobile apps and e-wallets
• Custom dashboards for real-time sales and expense tracking

Restaurants looking to balance culture with technology will find SISGAIN’s solution the most adaptable and cost-effective.

Learn more about our restaurant pos software dubai for a live demo and feature guide.

Final Thoughts: Serving Culture with Efficiency

UAE’s restaurant scene is a unique blend of heritage, hospitality, and innovation. Adopting a restaurant POS system tailored to your needs will not only streamline operations but also enhance the dining experience for your guests.

Whether you’re serving Machboos in a family restaurant or launching a trendy coffee shop in JBR, the right POS can be your competitive edge in 2025 and beyond.

FAQs: Restaurant POS Systems in the UAE

What’s the best POS system for small restaurants?

Square or POSist work well for small, budget-conscious setups.

Can POS systems handle Arabic menus?

Yes, systems like POSist and SISGAIN POS support full Arabic translations.

How do POS systems support delivery integration?

Most modern POS systems integrate directly with apps like Talabat, Deliveroo, and Careem to sync incoming orders.

Is cloud-based POS better than offline?

For scalability and real-time access, cloud-based POS is superior for UAE restaurants managing multiple branches.

Can I use my own hardware?

Some POS systems like Square and SISGAIN are compatible with existing tablets or mobile devices. Others like Toast may require proprietary equipment.

Ready to upgrade your restaurant operations?

👉 Request a Free Demo with SISGAIN POS Today and transform your dining experience in the UAE.