UAE, May 19th 2025: Taking a major step towards further strengthening financial freedom and digital security, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched its own national card payment system Jaywan (UAE Domestic Card Scheme), which has been introduced under the UAE Central Bank and Al Etihad Payment (AEP), which aims to completely change the way of daily transactions in the country.
What It Is and Why It’s Important?
Jaywan is the new debit card of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has been introduced under the comprehensive UAE Domestic Card Scheme. This card is especially designed for transactions within the country, so that dependence on foreign payment networks such as Visa or Mastercard can be reduced. The roots named “Jaywan” are associated with Amirati culture – it is a traditional word, which means “precious pearls.” This name is not only beautiful, but also shows the basic objective of this entire plan: creating a strong and self-sufficient financial system that shows the soul and pride of the nation. This initiative is not limited to bringing only a new card, but it is a strong step towards the UAE’s economic freedom and technical self-reliance.
The purpose of the UAE Domestic Card Scheme is not just to launch a new card, but many important benefits are hidden behind it, which are beneficial for both the country and the common people.
- Reduction in dependence on foreign networks: Now the transactions will be fully processed within the UAE, which will reduce the dependence on international networks such as Visa and Mastercard.
- Low cost, more savings: When the payment processing is inside the country, the interchange fee will be reduced. Shopkeepers and customers – both will get their direct benefit.
- Better data security: All payment data will now remain within the country’s boundaries, which will strengthen the prevention of cyber attacks and foreign surveillance.
- Economic self-sufficiency: With this scheme, the UAE will get more control over its financial system, so that the country will be able to decide its own policies.
Overall, Jaywan is not just a card, but the foundation of the UAE’s self-sufficient digital future. Through the UAE domestic card scheme, the Central Bank is moving towards a future where every Dirham transaction is within the country. This will not only strengthen the economy, but the data security of citizens will also be completely under the control of the country.
Jaywan in Action: What It Means for You?
Under the UAE domestic card scheme, now the residents of the country will be able to pay easily using Jaywan card, will be able to withdraw money from ATMs, and also shop online – they will also be able to do everything inside the country. Initially, this card will be available through selected banks and financial institutions, but there is a plan to make it available to everyone soon. Jaywan will make your daily money transactions easier with the UAE domestic card scheme.
- Valuable in the entire UAE: You will be able to use the Jaywan card on all the pos machines, ATMs, and online platforms across the country, which are connected to the national payment system.
- Directly with essential services: It will now be easy to pay with Jaywan at essential places like retail shops, government services, petrol pumps, and hospitals.
- Gradually applied: During 2024, many more banks will start issuing this new card to new and existing accounts.
This means that Jaywan(UAE domestic card scheme) will be in everyone’s pocket in the near time, and payment will be more convenient than ever before.
Who Launched Jaywan and What It Aims to Achieve?
Jaywan is issuing Al Etihad Payments (AEP) to the card, which is a unit of the UAE’s Central Bank. AEP was established for the purpose that the financial system of the country could be made modern and smart, and in this episode, innovative products such as UAE domestic card schemes are being introduced. Jaywan is just a link to this digital change. Other AEP projects include an instant payment platform (IPP), which can transfer money in real-time, and a domestic direct debit system, which will make payment of services such as electricity and water bills and subscriptions. The purpose of all these initiatives is clear – making the UAE a strong regional center of digital finance and innovation.
There is not just a technical change behind the Jaywan card(UAE domestic card scheme), but also some big and visionary goals of the country:
- Strengthen the Fintech sector- This technology-based financial services sector in the UAE can be further developed.
- Promoting innovation in the digital economy- New ideas and solutions come out, which make people’s lives easier.
- Creating a safe and competitive payment system- The transaction in the country is faster, cheaper, and reliable.
- To empower every resident financially- Whatever social or economic background, everyone gets the facility of digital payment.
Through the UAE domestic card scheme, the Central Bank is creating a future where the transaction of every Dirham is inside the country, which will not only give strength to the economy but will also maintain data safety and sovereignty.
What Cards Are Currently Providing Jaywan?
Jaywan is providing many types of cards, keeping in mind the needs of different customers. First, debit cards are issued by partner banks, allowing consumers to pay directly from their bank account or withdraw cash. These cards help manage everyday expenses safely and easily. There are prepaid cards as the second option, especially suitable for budget control and limited expenses. These can be loaded with a fixed amount, which proves to be very useful for travel, gifting, or special expenses. Currently, Jaywan is starting with debit and prepaid cards. However, if customer demand increases, credit cards will also be included in the future.
Why Jaywan Stands Out?
Jaywan is designed in such a way that this entire payment should benefit the ecosystem – be it everyday consumers, small shopkeepers, or large corporate institutions. For common consumers, this card provides an easy and safe payment experience, whether they are shopping online or in a store. The Jaywan card is also associated with NFC technology and a mobile wallet, which provides touch-and-go-like facilities, and the payment process increases even more.
In addition, Jaywan cards can also be used outside the UAE due to a partnership with international networks such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and UnionPay. But the most special thing about it is that it has been prepared keeping in mind the local consumers of the UAE, who get various business exemptions and special services within the country.
Unique Offerings by Jaywan
- It is possible to transact not only within the country but also internationally with a Jaywan card. Its biggest feature is that it facilitates consumers at a global level, but at the same time also takes care that a large part of the economic value remains in the UAE economy itself.
- Talking about the features of this card, Jaywan is designed in such a way that it can be used within the UAE and worldwide. This has been possible due to a partnership with international networks such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and UnionPay.
- Jaywan is no less than anyone in terms of security. It uses modern techniques such as EMV chip technology, education, and advanced fraud monitoring, which keep every transaction safe.
- Currently, Jaywan is available as debit and prepaid cards, but in the future, there are plans to bring more card options as per market demand. Also, this card offers the feature of joining ‘tap-to-pay’ and a digital wallet, which makes the payment not only easy but also fast.
Benefits the UAE has with the arrival of Jaywan:
- This results in the payment process within the country, which reduces dependence on external companies.
- It becomes a cheaper option for businesses and reduces their expenses.
- A large part of the transaction fees remains in the UAE economy, which strengthens financial institutions and traders.
- Special services and benefits are given, keeping in mind the special needs of UAE people and businesses.
Advantages for Customers and Companies
Jaywan is designed to benefit the entire payment system – be it consumers using daily, small shopkeepers, or big businessmen.
Consumers will get these benefits:
- Opportunity to pay online and shop easily and safely.
- Tap-and-go payment with NFC technology and connecting with a mobile wallet.
- Possibility of using both inside and outside the UAE, as Jaywan has a partnership with the global network.
- Local characteristics, such as discounts received from shopkeepers and exclusive access to certain services.
Traders will also have many benefits from this:
- Payment process expenses will be reduced, which will make digital payments affordable to everyone.
- Small traders will also help accept digital payments, which will reduce cash dependence.
- You will get a better way to accept fast, cheap, and safe payment.
Some common things related to Jaywan (FAQS):
1. What is the real purpose of the Jaywan card?
Jaywan has been launched under the UAE domestic card scheme, so that the payment can be easily done inside the country, the dependence on international networks decreases, and the data security of the people is strengthened.
2. Will Jaywan’s card also work abroad?
No, Jaywan is designed only for use inside the country. For international transactions, you still have to use existing global cards (such as a Visa or Mastercard).
3. Who can take the Jaywan card?
All the people living in the UAE who have a bank account will be gradually given a Jaywan card. It has started, and its scope will be further enhanced by 2024.
4. How is a Jaywan card different from a visa or mastercard?
Jaywan, UAE, is part of the domestic card scheme, which processes transactions through a local network within the country, not through any international system. This improves security, reduces expenditure, and provides complete control over the country.
5. Is the Jaywan card safe for use online?
Absolutely. The Jaywan card has been prepared under the security standards of the Central Bank. It follows Global Cyber Security Standards for e-commerce and online banking.
6. When will my bank give me a Jaywan card?
How many banks have started giving Jaywan cards? If your bank has not yet joined, it will soon become a part of this scheme, as it is a national-level initiative.
7. Can tourists or non-residents use Jaywan?
Currently, Jaywan is designed only for the UAE’s residents. Tourists still have to use their international cards.
The introduction of Jaywan under the UAE domestic card scheme is not just a financial change – it is a strategic step towards self-reliance, innovation, and national pride. When all the transactions are within the country, it will prepare a strong, safe, and low-related system, which will benefit not only the customers, but to the shopkeepers and the entire economy. As the country is moving towards its digital future, initiatives like Jaywan are becoming an important milestone in that journey. If its understanding and use increase among people, then this UAE domestic card scheme can only change the way of using money in the future for everyone.
