The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), through its subsidiary Al Etihad Payments (AEP), has officially introduced Jaywan, the country’s first domestic card payment scheme. This initiative aims to strengthen financial security, reduce transaction costs, and enhance payment accessibility for individuals and businesses across the UAE.

What is Jaywan?

Jaywan is a secure, cost-effective domestic payment system designed to:

• Lower transaction fees for businesses and individuals.

• Facilitate local payments through the UAESWITCH network.

• Enable seamless e-commerce transactions for UAE residents.

• Expand financial inclusion by offering broader accessibility.

Jaywan Card Types: Customized for Diverse Needs

The Jaywan payment system offers multiple card options tailored to user requirements:

• Mono-badge Jaywan cards – Usable within the UAE, GCC, and select international locations.

• Co-badge Jaywan cards – Linked to global payment networks, allowing international transactions.

These cards will support:

• Online transactions

• ATM withdrawals

• Point-of-sale (POS) purchases

Global Reach: Strategic Partnerships for Expansion

To maximize its usability, AEP has partnered with major international payment networks, including:

• Discover, Mastercard, Visa, and UnionPay to facilitate global transactions.

• Samsung Gulf Electronics, integrating Jaywan into Samsung Wallet.

Upcoming integrations (by mid-2025)

• Google Pay & Apple Pay compatibility.

• Cross-border agreements with India and other countries to expand accessibility.

Why Are Domestic Payment Systems Important?

With nearly 90 national card payment schemes globally, domestic networks account for around 2 billion active cards, representing less than 8% of the 26 billion cards in circulation today. Countries are prioritizing domestic systems to:

• Enhance financial security and data protection.

• Reduce reliance on international networks, keeping transaction costs lower.

• Minimize processing fees for businesses and financial institutions.

Awareness Campaign Set for April 2025

To help residents and businesses understand Jaywan’s features and benefits, AEP will launch a nationwide awareness campaign in April 2025, covering:

• How Jaywan enhances digital payments in the UAE.

• Steps to apply for a Jaywan card and begin using it.

A New Era of Digital Payments in the UAE

With the introduction of Jaywan, the UAE is moving towards greater financial independence, improved transaction security, and seamless payment experiences for businesses and consumers.

Stay tuned for further updates as Jaywan is rolled out across ATMs, retail stores, and online platforms in the coming months.

 

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