First Abu Dhabi Bank & Mastercard Launch Virtual Corporate Cards

Corporate spending in the UAE is moving further onto the smartphone as Abu Dhabi-based lender First Abu Dhabi Bank and global payments company Mastercard launched a mobile-first virtual card number solution for businesses, described by the partners as a first across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The offering enables enterprises and government entities to issue and manage virtual corporate cards and add them to mobile wallets for in-store and online payments. Built on Mastercard’s proprietary virtual card number technology, the product integrates with existing payment processes, allows real-time generation of virtual cards, and adds centralised controls to streamline expense management and accounts payable while providing a consolidated view of spending for data-driven decisions.

The partners position the launch as enhancing operational efficiency and transparency over corporate spend, aligning with the UAE’s shift toward secure, technology-enabled financial systems. Digital payment adoption is expanding in the country; Mastercard says research shows 45% of companies in the UAE are investing in mobile technology for B2B payments.