nisar ahmed 
United Arab Bank (UAB) has officially introduced the UAB Jaywan Prepaid Card, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s ongoing digital payments transformation. Developed in collaboration with Network International, IDEMIA Secure Transactions and Al Etihad Payments (AEP) — the Central Bank of the UAE’s subsidiary and operator of the national Jaywan scheme — the launch reinforces the country’s vision to build a secure, innovative and financially inclusive cashless economy.
The rollout reflects UAB’s commitment to supporting national digitalisation initiatives and expanding access to modern financial services. It also positions the bank as a key contributor to the UAE’s efforts to strengthen domestic payment infrastructure and reduce reliance on international card systems.
Supporting the UAE’s national payment strategy
The UAE has prioritized payment innovation as part of its broader financial and economic transformation agenda. The introduction of the Jaywan Prepaid Card aligns directly with the country’s Cashless Economy and Payments Transformation strategy — an initiative designed to boost digital transactions, enhance financial sovereignty and ensure residents have access to safe and efficient payment tools.
By issuing its own Jaywan card, UAB becomes one of the latest local banks to support this national mission. The card enables users to make secure purchases, manage daily spending and participate in the digital economy without relying exclusively on global card networks. Instead, payments are processed locally through AEP’s network, ensuring efficiency, lower processing costs and increased financial resilience.
Leadership presence underscores strategic importance
The launch event was attended by senior UAB executives including Chief Executive Officer Shirish Bhide, Head of Retail Banking Emre Yalcin and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Abdulla Altaee. Their presence signalled UAB’s strong internal focus on digital banking and customer-centric innovation.
Joining them was Network International Group CEO Murat Cagri Suzer, representing one of the key partners behind the initiative. This collaboration with established regional and global technology providers highlights a coordinated industry effort to push forward the UAE’s digital finance strategy.
Enhancing financial inclusion and convenience
UAB says the new prepaid card is designed for everyday use and fits seamlessly into a modern digital lifestyle. It allows users to make electronic payments securely, manage household budgets, and benefit from convenient cash-free transactions across a variety of retail and service categories.
For individuals who prefer prepaid solutions, such as young adults, gig-economy workers, domestic users, and families managing shared budgets, the card provides an accessible entry point into digital banking. It also supports the growing number of consumers who favor mobile and card-based payments over physical cash.
By offering a simple, secure and flexible payment option, UAB aims to expand access to financial services and promote responsible financial habits — key pillars of the UAE’s financial inclusion goals.
Strengthening local payment capabilities
The Jaywan scheme is part of a wider national effort to build a strong, sovereign payment ecosystem. The government aims to broaden adoption of locally issued cards, digital wallets and payment gateways to diversify payment channels and improve financial infrastructure resilience.
With the UAB Jaywan Prepaid Card, residents can benefit from:
- Local processing and enhanced transaction security
- Streamlined payment experiences
- Budget-friendly spending control
- Reduced reliance on international networks
- Support for the UAE’s long-term digital strategy
As adoption grows, Jaywan is expected to play an increasingly central role in the UAE’s payment landscape — especially as contactless commerce and mobile-driven financial behavior continue to rise.
Public-private collaboration driving innovation
The partnership behind the Jaywan Prepaid Card brings together banking expertise, secure technology infrastructure and regulatory oversight. Network International contributes advanced payments technology and processing systems, while IDEMIA supports secure card issuance through its global technology platform.
AEP provides regulatory alignment, ensures interoperability across retail and financial environments, and operates the core national payment rails. This united approach is designed to accelerate innovation and build consumer trust in new payment systems.
Together, the partners aim to create a scalable payments model that can support future digital services, from mobile wallets to contactless public transport payments and government digital services.
A strategic step toward a cash-light future
With the launch of the Jaywan Prepaid Card, UAB strengthens its position in the competitive retail banking market and demonstrates a proactive approach to evolving consumer needs. The bank plans to continue enhancing its digital banking offerings, introducing new features and services that align with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global leader in financial technology.
Industry analysts expect that as more local banks adopt Jaywan and integrate local payment systems across their channels, the UAE will move closer to realising its ambition of becoming one of the world’s most advanced and resilient cashless economies.
For now, the UAB Jaywan Prepaid Card gives customers a secure, reliable and locally powered way to transact — further enabling the country’s journey toward a fully digital financial future.
