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In a pioneering move, Astra Tech’s Botim has joined forces with Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a subsidiary of the UAE Central Bank, to roll out Aani—a cutting-edge, instant payment platform designed to overhaul the digital transaction landscape.

Aani stands as a beacon of innovation, providing users with the ability to execute secure and instant payments around the clock. With its user-friendly interface, the platform streamlines fund transfers by leveraging the recipient’s contact details or a simple QR code, effectively doing away with the need for cumbersome IBAN numbers.

The first of its kind to be assimilated into PayBy-integrated Botim app, Aani paves the way for immediate and secure peer-to-peer money transfers directly via phone numbers for UAE residents.

Setting a precedent in the industry, Aani ensures seamless interoperability between different payment services, offering a rigid structure for instant digital settlements anytime, anywhere.

Abdallah Abu Sheikh, Astra Tech and Botim’s CEO and founder, expressed enthusiasm regarding the significant leap in payment technology made possible through the collaboration with Al Etihad Payments. He highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the UAE’s vision of a cashless economy and Astra Tech’s commitment to innovation and financial inclusivity.

Aani boasts essential features such as Proxy Payments, QR-code-based transactions, and functionalities like Request to Pay and Split Bills. The secure platform stands equipped to facilitate real-time account-to-account payments across the UAE’s consumer and business sectors.

Commencing with instant person-to-person transfers from digital wallets or bank accounts using mobile numbers, Aani’s roadmap includes QR code payments, direct debits, and e-cheques, further elevating its convenience and reach.

To harness Aani via Botim, users undergo a straightforward activation process and can subsequently send or receive funds directly to and from any participating bank account. Botim also accommodates transactions to non-Aani users via conventional local transfers into their digital wallets.

Jan Pilbauer, CEO of AEP, envisions Aani as a transformative force propelling the UAE towards a less cash-dependent society. The Botim integration not only promises to enhance user experience but also underscores the commitment to technological progress, inviting further collaborations to expand Aani’s functionality and impact.