UAE Launches 'Jaywan', Its First National Payment Scheme to Strengthen Financial Sovereignty and Digital Economy

Abu Dhabi | EcoPulse24

The United Arab Emirates has officially launched Jaywan, the country's first national payment scheme, marking a major milestone in the development of its financial infrastructure as banks, licensed financial institutions and exchange houses begin issuing Jaywan cards nationwide.

The launch was announced by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), during a meeting with CBUAE Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama, members of the Board of Directors of Al Etihad Payments, and senior executives from banks, financial institutions and payment companies.

Strengthening Financial Sovereignty

Sheikh Mansour described the launch of Jaywan as a strategic milestone that reinforces the UAE's financial sovereignty while establishing an advanced national payments infrastructure aligned with the country's long-term vision for financial leadership and digital transformation.

He said the initiative reflects the UAE's commitment to building a more efficient, resilient and competitive financial sector, expanding financial inclusion, encouraging innovation, and further strengthening the country's position as a global financial hub.

Nationwide Card Issuance Begins

Banks and licensed financial institutions have begun issuing Jaywan payment cards in phases, with broader rollout expected over the coming months.

Jaywan cards will be accepted across:

• Point-of-sale (POS) terminals

• E-commerce platforms

• ATMs

• Digital wallets

• Contactless payment services

• Cash withdrawals

• Domestic and international payment transactions, subject to applicable regulations

Cardholders will also benefit from a range of rewards and promotional offers through partnerships spanning travel, retail, hospitality and lifestyle sectors.

Supporting the UAE's Digital Economy Vision

CBUAE Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama said the launch represents a significant step forward in the modernization of the UAE's payment ecosystem and demonstrates the financial sector's ability to translate national strategic objectives into advanced payment solutions.

He added that the Central Bank will continue working with financial institutions and payment providers to develop a more innovative financial ecosystem that supports digital payments, economic growth and the objectives of the "We the UAE 2031" vision.

Key Highlights

Why Jaywan Matters

Jaywan represents far more than the introduction of a new payment card. It establishes the UAE's first domestic payment scheme, providing the country with a nationally developed payment infrastructure designed to support the rapid growth of digital commerce and financial technology.

The initiative is expected to enhance payment efficiency, broaden consumer payment options, strengthen interoperability across banks and financial institutions, and support the continued expansion of the UAE's digital economy.

EcoPulse24 Analysis

The launch of Jaywan marks one of the most significant developments in the UAE's financial infrastructure in recent years. By establishing its own national payment scheme, the UAE joins a growing group of economies investing in domestic payment networks to strengthen financial resilience, accelerate digital transformation and enhance control over critical payment infrastructure.

Beyond improving payment efficiency, Jaywan has the potential to support fintech innovation, deepen financial inclusion and create a stronger foundation for future digital financial services. As adoption expands across banks, merchants and consumers, the platform could become a cornerstone of the UAE's rapidly evolving cashless economy while reinforcing the country's ambition to remain a leading global financial and fintech hub.