The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), through its subsidiary Al Etihad Payments (AEP), has announced the activation of ‘Jaywan,’ the nation’s first domestic card scheme, aiming to enhance the UAE’s digital payment infrastructure.
Jaywan offers consumers and businesses a secure and efficient payment solution to reduce transaction costs and accelerate local payment processes via the UAESWITCH system. The scheme supports economic growth, promotes e-commerce, and advances financial inclusion.
The cards will be available in various forms, including debit, prepaid, and credit options, and can be used across multiple payment channels such as online transactions, ATM withdrawals, and point-of-sale terminals. Licensed financial institutions will issue two types of Jaywan cards: a mono-badge card for local and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) usage and a co-badge card in partnership with international payment networks for global acceptance.
To expand Jaywan’s usability, AEP has established partnerships with international payment networks, including Discover, Mastercard, Visa, and UnionPay. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Samsung Gulf Electronics to integrate Jaywan cards into the Samsung Wallet, facilitating seamless smartphone payments.
Future plans include integrating Jaywan with Google Pay and Apple Pay and establishing bilateral agreements with countries such as India by mid-2025, further extending Jaywan’s international reach. An awareness campaign is scheduled for April 2025 to inform consumers and businesses about Jaywan’s features and benefits.
