ABU DHABI: The UAE has officially launched Jaywan, its first domestic card scheme, offering an alternative to Visa and Mastercard. Developed by Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), Jaywan aims to enhance the country’s digital payments infrastructure while reducing reliance on international card providers.

Also Read: Trump’s $5 million ‘gold card’ could replace U.S. EB-5 visa

This move is part of the UAE’s digital transformation strategy, reinforcing its status as a global financial hub. Jaywan is designed to provide secure, cost-effective, and efficient payment solutions, ensuring faster transactions, lower fees, and increased financial inclusion. The scheme will support e-commerce, promote innovation, and contribute to economic growth by streamlining payment processing through UAESWITCH, the UAE’s national payment network.

Multiple card options for consumers

Jaywan will be available in various formats, including debit, credit, and prepaid cards, catering to both individuals and businesses. These cards will support online payments, ATM withdrawals, and point-of-sale (POS) transactions.

Licensed financial institutions will offer two types of Jaywan cards:

• Mono-badge cards – exclusively for UAE and GCC transactions.

• Co-badge cards – issued in partnership with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and UnionPay for global usability.

Expanding digital integration

AEP has signed agreements with major payment networks to facilitate international acceptance of Jaywan. Additionally, a partnership with Samsung Gulf Electronics will allow Jaywan cards to be added to Samsung Wallet for mobile payments. Future plans include integration with Google Pay and Apple Pay and bilateral agreements with India by mid-2025 to expand Jaywan’s reach.

Raising awareness

In April 2025, AEP will launch a nationwide campaign to educate users on Jaywan’s benefits, how it can reduce costs, and its role in ensuring seamless digital payments.

Also Read: Meet the $4.8 million cow: The world’s most expensive animal ever sold

A step towards financial independence

Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor of CBUAE and Chairman of AEP, highlighted Jaywan’s role in localising card payment operations, reducing costs, and enhancing the UAE’s financial ecosystem.

Jan Pilbauer, CEO of AEP, described Jaywan as a major achievement in future-proofing UAE’s financial infrastructure, empowering users with greater convenience and control.