Dubai, UAE – October 21, 2025: Al Fardan Exchange has introduced a new Salary Advance feature for Wages Protection System (WPS) customers, marking a major step toward improving financial access for UAE’s workforce. The initiative, launched in partnership with Abhi Middle East Limited, a fintech company supported by Hub71, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and Commercial Bank International (CBI), enables eligible workers to access up to 50% of their earned wages before payday.
The service aims to give workers greater flexibility in managing day-to-day expenses such as remittances, groceries, and emergency needs, offering timely financial relief without relying on loans or credit cards.
Early Access Through AlfaPay App and Nationwide Branches
The Salary Advance feature is now available through Al Fardan Exchange’s AlfaPay app and across its network of more than 90 branches nationwide. It is currently limited to WPS customers who process their salary disbursements and remittances via Al Fardan Exchange.
The system is powered by Abhi’s earned wage access (EWA) technology, which gives users real-time access to a portion of their already earned income. This eliminates the need to wait for a fixed payday, allowing workers to manage unforeseen financial demands with ease and dignity.
“Salary Advance is a milestone in our mission to champion financial inclusion,” said Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, CEO of Al Fardan Exchange. “By giving customers early access to their wages, we’re providing flexibility and support when it matters most—for them and their families.”
Bridging Financial Gaps for Underbanked Workers
The launch comes as part of a broader effort to improve financial inclusion among the UAE’s underbanked and unbanked population, particularly the blue-collar workforce that relies heavily on exchange houses for salary payments and remittances.
By combining Al Fardan’s extensive remittance network with Abhi’s wage-access technology, the partnership aims to empower workers with tools that enhance their financial independence and cash-flow management.
“This partnership represents a transformation in how workers experience financial autonomy,” said Omar Ansari, Co-Founder and CEO of Abhi Middle East Limited. “It’s the first time a UAE exchange house has deployed Abhi’s earned wage access system, and it’s designed to put control directly in the hands of the worker.”
The collaboration also underscores the growing role of fintech in redefining how financial services are delivered to traditionally underserved communities.
Supportive Economic Environment
The rollout of Al Fardan Exchange’s Salary Advance service coincides with strong macroeconomic fundamentals in the UAE. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects the country’s real GDP growth to reach 4.0% in 2025, supported by diversified investments and stable oil prices. Inflation is expected to remain low at 2.1%, creating favorable conditions for short-term credit and earned wage access products aimed at lower-income segments.
Analysts say such innovations can significantly improve financial resilience among expatriate workers—many of whom support families back home—by reducing dependence on high-interest loans or informal borrowing.
“Access to earned wages gives workers a safety net and helps them manage cash flow responsibly,” said a regional financial expert. “It’s a small innovation with a large social impact, especially in a country where remittances play a vital role in household economies.”
Building a Tech-Driven Financial Ecosystem
Through this partnership, Al Fardan Exchange and Abhi Middle East aim to build a more inclusive, technology-driven financial ecosystem that aligns with the UAE’s vision of promoting digital transformation in financial services.
Founded in 2021, Abhi has rapidly expanded across the GCC and MENAP regions. The company reports serving over one million users, partnering with 5,000 businesses, and processing more than five million transactions totaling over $500 million since inception.
By integrating its technology into Al Fardan Exchange’s trusted financial network, the collaboration combines fintech agility with remittance sector expertise, creating a model that could be replicated across the region.
“Empowering workers through responsible financial innovation is central to our business ethos,” Al Fardan added. “With this partnership, we’re setting a new standard for how exchange houses can contribute to financial well-being and digital inclusion.”
A Step Toward Financial Inclusion
The Salary Advance service represents a meaningful stride toward bridging financial inequality, particularly for those excluded from the traditional banking system. For workers who often live paycheck to paycheck, the ability to tap into earned income early can prevent debt cycles and promote better money management.
As the UAE continues to strengthen its fintech landscape and labor welfare initiatives, collaborations like this demonstrate how technology can be harnessed to deliver practical, high-impact financial solutions.
With the Salary Advance feature, Al Fardan Exchange not only reinforces its leadership in the remittance sector but also signals a broader shift in the financial services industry—one where access, inclusivity, and empowerment take center stage.
Meet Nandini Shukla, a dedicated branding and marketing professional with over three years of experience in the industry. Known for her result-oriented and hard-working nature, Nandini specializes in enhancing brand aesthetics and formulating effective marketing strategies. Her passion lies in creating content and strategies that are not only visually appealing but also impactful, ensuring that each brand she works with leaves a memorable impression.
At technewsme.com, Nandini combines her keen eye for beauty with her expertise in marketing to offer unique perspectives and transformative solutions. She is committed to helping clients achieve their goals by blending form and function in every strategy she develops. Join her on this journey as she shares insights and tips to elevate your brand in the dynamic world of marketing.
