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Key Takeaway: Jaywan provides UAE residents with a homegrown payment solution that offers security, convenience, and cost benefits while strengthening the nation’s financial infrastructure and keeping transaction data and fees within the local economy.

The Birth of a National Payment Solution

The UAE’s financial landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years, with digital transactions becoming increasingly prevalent. The country has set a bold target of achieving a 90% cashless economy by 2026, accelerating the adoption of digital payment solutions. Recognising the need for a payment solution tailored to local requirements, Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), launched Jaywan – the nation’s first domestic card scheme.

Built by the UAE, for the UAE, Jaywan represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards a more independent and advanced payment ecosystem. The name “Jaywan,” meaning “precious pearl” in Arabic, pays homage to the UAE’s rich cultural heritage and pearl-diving tradition that supported communities long before the oil era.

What is Jaywan?

Jaywan is the UAE’s domestic card payment scheme, providing a homegrown alternative to internationally issued debit and prepaid cards. Officially launched in 2024 and becoming fully operational in 2025, this national payment program aims to boost financial inclusion, reduce payment costs nationwide, and strengthen the country’s payment infrastructure.

The primary goal of Jaywan is to offer an efficient, secure, and widely accepted payment solution that aligns with national economic priorities while giving consumers and businesses greater control over their financial transactions. As UAE’s fintech sector experiences unprecedented growth, Jaywan plays a crucial role in this expanding ecosystem.

Types of Jaywan Cards

Jaywan offers various card types designed to meet different customer needs:

Feature	Jaywan Debit	Jaywan Prepaid	Co-badged Cards
Card Issuance	UAE Banks	UAE Banks & Financial Institutions	UAE Banks with International Partners
Domestic Use	✓	✓	✓
International Use	Limited	Limited	Extensive
Link to Bank Account	✓	✗	Varies
Reload Option	N/A	✓	Varies
Contactless Payments	✓	✓	✓
Digital Wallet Integration	✓	✓	✓

Debit Cards

Jaywan debit cards provide a straightforward way to make purchases and withdraw cash directly from bank accounts. These cards are issued by participating banks throughout the UAE and offer an easy, secure method for managing daily expenses.

As of 2025, all new debit cards issued in the UAE feature Jaywan, localising transactions and enhancing security by storing payment-related data within the country.

Prepaid Cards

Ideal for budgeting and controlled spending, Jaywan prepaid cards can be loaded with a predetermined amount of funds. These cards are particularly useful for:

• Travel expenses
• Gifting
• Specific spending purposes
• Budget management

With broad acceptance across the UAE, these cards offer a secure and flexible way to manage finances without the risk of overspending.

Future Credit Card Options

While Jaywan initially launched with debit and prepaid cards, there are plans to introduce credit cards based on market demand. This expansion will provide consumers with additional payment options and flexibility.

International Usability

One of the key advantages of Jaywan is its global reach. Through strategic partnerships with international networks such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and UnionPay, Jaywan allows users to make both domestic and international transactions.

In March 2025, Al Etihad Payments and Mastercard announced a collaboration to launch “Jaywan-Mastercard” co-badged debit and prepaid cards. Similarly, a partnership with Visa created “Jaywan-Visa” co-badged cards, enabling cardholders to pay securely in the UAE and at Visa’s merchant partners across 200 countries.

Under these agreements, domestic transactions are processed through the national card switch (UAESWITCH), while cross-border transactions outside the GCC area are processed through global networks.

Security Features

Security is paramount in the design of Jaywan cards, incorporating:

• EMV chip technology for secure transactions
• Tokenisation to protect sensitive data
• Advanced fraud monitoring systems
• Payment data securely stored within the UAE
• Enhanced transaction security measures

These features give users peace of mind, knowing their financial information and transactions are protected against fraud and cybersecurity threats.

Benefits for the UAE Economy

The introduction of Jaywan brings numerous advantages to the UAE’s economy:

Enhanced Financial Sovereignty

By processing payments within the country, Jaywan reduces dependence on external providers and gives the UAE greater control over its payment infrastructure. This development coincides with the UAE’s broader financial infrastructure transformation, including the introduction of the Digital Dirham.

Cost Efficiency

Jaywan offers businesses a cost-effective payment processing option, reducing operational expenses for merchants of all sizes. This is particularly beneficial for smaller merchants, driving financial inclusion and reducing reliance on cash.

Economic Growth

A greater portion of transaction fees remains within the UAE’s economy, supporting local financial institutions and merchants. This circulation of funds within the country contributes to overall economic growth.

Customised Services

Jaywan delivers benefits tailored to the specific needs of UAE residents and businesses, enhancing the user experience and addressing local requirements.

Benefits for Consumers

Jaywan cards provide several advantages for everyday users:

Seamless Transactions

Whether shopping online or in physical stores, Jaywan ensures a protected and smooth transaction experience.

Modern Payment Features

Jaywan cards support:

• NFC-enabled tap-and-go payments
• Integration with mobile wallets
• Digital payment options
• E-commerce transactions

Local Benefits

As a UAE-based card scheme, Jaywan is specifically designed for residents, offering localised benefits such as merchant discounts and exclusive access to certain services within the country.

Benefits for Businesses

The business community also stands to gain significantly from Jaywan:

Reduced Processing Costs

Jaywan lowers the cost of payment processing, making it more affordable for businesses of all sizes to accept electronic payments. For entrepreneurs launching new businesses in the UAE, this offers an additional advantage when setting up their payment infrastructure.

Enhanced Financial Inclusion

By providing smaller merchants with cost-effective digital payment acceptance, Jaywan drives financial inclusion and reduces cash dependence.

Streamlined Operations

Businesses can leverage Jaywan’s POS solutions for fast, secure, and reliable transactions, ensuring a smooth checkout experience for customers.

E-commerce Integration

Online businesses can integrate Jaywan into their digital stores to benefit from local expertise, secure payments, and reliable service tailored to the UAE market.

The Future of Jaywan

Al Etihad Payments launched an awareness campaign in April 2025 to highlight Jaywan’s features and benefits, educating consumers and businesses about how they can benefit from this innovative payment solution.

The domestic card scheme is expected to play a crucial role in the UAE’s digital transformation strategy, strengthening the country’s position as a leading global hub for digital payments. This initiative aligns with the broader AI and technological revolution reshaping the UAE’s banking sector. Future innovations may include:

• Instant peer-to-peer payments
• Cardless payment options
• Integration with digital currencies
• Enhanced rewards programmes

Joining the Global Trend

With Jaywan, the UAE joins other countries that have established successful domestic card payment schemes, including:

• Eftpos in Australia
• Elo in Brazil
• RuPay in India
• Mada in Saudi Arabia
• Troy in Turkey

These national schemes provide the infrastructure to facilitate local debit and credit card payments, complementing international networks for global transactions.

Conclusion

Jaywan represents a significant advancement in the UAE’s payment ecosystem, offering security, convenience, and cost benefits while strengthening the nation’s financial infrastructure. As the scheme continues to evolve, it promises to revolutionise domestic card payments, benefiting merchants and consumers alike.

With its focus on financial inclusion, data sovereignty, and economic growth, Jaywan is playing a pivotal role in the UAE’s journey towards a cashless, digital-first economy. For professionals working in the UAE’s financial services sector, understanding Jaywan’s capabilities will be essential as it becomes increasingly integrated into the national payment landscape.

FAQs About Jaywan Card

What does the name “Jaywan” mean?

“Jaywan” is an Emirati Arabic word meaning “precious pearl.” Pearls have deep cultural significance in the UAE’s heritage, reflecting the country’s history and global aspirations. Pearl diving was a significant part of the UAE’s economy before the discovery of oil.

How is Jaywan different from international card schemes like Visa or Mastercard?

Jaywan is a domestic card scheme created specifically for the UAE market, processing payments within the country while reducing costs and keeping transaction data and fees in the local economy. For international usability, Jaywan partners with global networks through co-badged cards.

Can I use my Jaywan card for international transactions?

Yes, Jaywan allows for both domestic and international transactions through strategic partnerships with international networks like Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and UnionPay. Co-badged cards carry both the Jaywan logo and that of an international partner. This makes them particularly useful for UAE residents who travel internationally or make frequent cross-border purchases.

Are Jaywan cards secure?

Yes, Jaywan cards incorporate advanced security features including EMV chip technology, tokenisation, and fraud monitoring systems. Additionally, all payment-related data is securely stored within the UAE, enhancing data sovereignty.

Where can I apply for a Jaywan card?

Jaywan cards are issued by participating banks and financial institutions throughout the UAE. Contact your bank to inquire about obtaining a Jaywan debit or prepaid card.

Will Jaywan offer credit cards in the future?

While Jaywan initially launched with debit and prepaid cards, there are plans to expand to credit cards based on market demand and consumer needs.

How does Jaywan benefit small businesses?

Jaywan reduces payment processing costs, making it more affordable for small businesses to accept electronic payments. This drives financial inclusion and helps reduce reliance on cash transactions. For entrepreneurs looking to earn money online in the UAE, integrating Jaywan into their payment options can provide a cost-effective solution for accepting payments from local customers.

Is Jaywan accepted by all merchants in the UAE?

Jaywan has widespread acceptance across the UAE through partnerships with leading regional acquirers, covering ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, and e-commerce platforms.