UAE Begins Phased Rollout of Jaywan Cards Across Banks and Exchange Companies

By Thasmiya

The UAE has officially begun the phased issuance of **Jaywan cards** through banks, licensed financial institutions and exchange companies, marking a major step in the country’s shift towards a locally managed digital payments system.

The rollout was announced during a meeting attended by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chief of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Central Bank of the UAE. Financial institutions will continue introducing the cards in stages over the coming months.

## **What is the Jaywan card?**

Jaywan is the UAE’s national card payment scheme, developed by **Al Etihad Payments**, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE.

It provides a homegrown alternative to internationally issued debit and prepaid cards while keeping more payment processing and financial value within the country. The name “Jaywan” means “precious pearl” in Emirati Arabic, reflecting the UAE’s pearl-diving heritage.

## **Who will issue Jaywan cards?**

The cards will be issued gradually by:

- UAE banks - Licensed financial institutions - Licensed exchange companies

Debit cards will generally be linked directly to customers’ bank accounts, while prepaid cards may also be offered through participating exchange houses and other licensed providers.

## **Where can Jaywan cards be used?**

Jaywan cards are designed to support everyday payments through:

- Point-of-sale terminals - Online shopping platforms - ATMs - Contactless payments - Compatible digital wallets

The cards may also support both domestic and international payments, depending on the product and approved network arrangements.

## **Can Jaywan cards be used outside the UAE?**

Yes, eligible Jaywan cards can support international transactions through partnerships with global payment networks including Visa, Mastercard, Discover and UnionPay.

Some cards may carry both the Jaywan identity and an international network brand, allowing local transactions to be processed through the UAE system while maintaining overseas acceptance.

## **What benefits will cardholders receive?**

Cardholders may receive offers and benefits covering areas such as:

- Travel - Shopping - Hospitality - Food and lifestyle services

The exact rewards, fees and eligibility requirements will depend on the issuing bank or financial institution and the card category selected.

## **Are Jaywan cards secure?**

Al Etihad Payments says Jaywan supports technologies including EMV chip protection, tokenisation, advanced fraud monitoring, contactless payments and digital wallet integration.

The scheme is designed to provide a secure payment experience while allowing transactions to be managed through locally governed infrastructure.

## **Why is the UAE introducing its own card scheme?**

For years, most card transactions in the UAE have relied on international payment networks.

Jaywan aims to strengthen the country’s financial independence by processing more payments locally, reducing reliance on external providers and creating payment products tailored specifically to UAE residents and businesses.

The scheme may also help lower payment-processing costs for merchants and retain a greater share of transaction-related value within the UAE economy.

## **Will existing bank cards stop working?**

The current announcement describes a phased rollout rather than an immediate nationwide replacement.

Customers should continue using their existing cards unless their bank or financial provider contacts them with information about a new Jaywan debit or prepaid card. Availability, replacement schedules and card features may differ between institutions.

## **Why this matters**

The launch moves Jaywan from infrastructure development into wider consumer issuance.

For residents, it introduces a locally designed payment option that can be used for daily shopping, online transactions, cash withdrawals and potentially overseas payments. For the UAE, it strengthens control over critical payment infrastructure and supports the country’s wider digital economy strategy.

## **FAQs**

### **What is Jaywan?**

Jaywan is the UAE’s national card payment scheme, operated by Al Etihad Payments under the Central Bank of the UAE.

### **Can I apply for a Jaywan card now?**

Issuance has begun in stages. Customers will need to check with their bank, licensed financial institution or exchange company to confirm availability.

### **Is Jaywan a debit or credit card?**

The current consumer offering focuses mainly on debit and prepaid cards. Additional card categories may be introduced based on market demand.

### **Can Jaywan be used for online purchases?**

Yes. Jaywan supports e-commerce transactions, along with in-store, contactless and ATM use.

### **Can tourists get a Jaywan card?**

Eligibility will depend on the issuing institution and the type of card. Prepaid products may have different requirements from bank-linked debit cards.

### **Does Jaywan work internationally?**

Certain Jaywan cards can support international transactions through approved partnerships with global payment networks.

## **Source Credits**

Information source/resource owners: Al Etihad Payments, Central Bank of the UAE, Emirates News Agency and Khaleej Times.

## **Image Credits**

Image sources are combined from AI-generated visuals and other platforms. If any owner wants to be mentioned or any content needs to be changed, please email us at **concerns@whatmatter.ae**.

## **Image Options**

- Official Jaywan debit and prepaid card designs **Image credit/resource owner:** Al Etihad Payments - Customer using a Jaywan card at a UAE payment terminal **Image credit/resource owner:** Al Etihad Payments or participating financial institution - Jaywan card displayed alongside a mobile digital wallet **Image credit/resource owner:** Al Etihad Payments - UAE banking and payments infrastructure visual **Image credit/resource owner:** Central Bank of the UAE - **AI cover idea:** A realistic close-up of a UAE national payment card being used at a modern contactless terminal, with a smartphone wallet beside it, premium red, white, green and gold details, contemporary banking environment, no visible commercial logos and no detailed text.