CBUAE Unveils "Jaywan" – UAE’s First Domestic Card Scheme to Boost Digital Payments

UAE, 28 February, 2025 : Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), has announced the readiness of the financial infrastructure for Jaywan, the UAE’s first domestic card scheme. Jaywan is designed to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for digital payments and aligns with the country’s digital transformation strategy.

The scheme offers secure, efficient, and cost-effective payment solutions, supporting economic growth and financial inclusion. Jaywan cards will be available in debit, prepaid, and credit variants and can be used across ATMs, POS terminals, and e-commerce platforms.

Licensed financial institutions will provide mono-badge cards (for UAE and GCC use) and co-badge cards (in partnership with international payment networks like Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and UnionPay) for global transactions. AEP has also partnered with Samsung Gulf Electronics to integrate Jaywan into Samsung Wallet, with Google Pay and Apple Pay integration planned for later this year.

AEP will launch an awareness campaign in April 2025 to highlight Jaywan’s benefits for individuals and businesses. The next phase will include bilateral agreements with India and other countries by mid-2025, expanding its international usability.

H.E. Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor of CBUAE and Chairman of AEP, emphasized that Jaywan will localize card payment operations, reduce costs, and enhance digital transformation. Jan Pilbauer, CEO of AEP, added that Jaywan will provide users with greater control, convenience, and a future-ready financial ecosystem.