Central Bank of the UAE Unveils Homegrown Payment Card Network

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has launched Jaywan, the country's first national payment card scheme, with banks, licensed financial institutions and exchange houses beginning a phased nationwide rollout.

Unveiled in Abu Dhabi, Jaywan cards are now being made available to consumers and can be used for contactless payments, online purchases, cash withdrawals and digital wallet transactions. The cards are accepted at point-of-sale terminals, e-commerce platforms and automated teller machines across the UAE, while also supporting international transactions in accordance with applicable regulations.

Cardholders will also have access to a rewards programme developed in partnership with companies across the travel, retail, hospitality and lifestyle sectors.

The launch was announced during a meeting attended by CBUAE Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama, members of the Board of Directors of Al Etihad Payments, and chief executives from banks and payment companies.

Chairing the inauguration, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Central Bank of the UAE, said the launch reflects the country's commitment to building a more efficient, resilient and competitive financial sector while supporting innovation, financial inclusion and digital transformation.