In a move that strengthens the digital payments infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, banking initiatives are accelerating to adopt the independent national card ecosystem.
- Launch of digital and innovative corporate cards
- Comprehensive overview of the national Jaywan system
- High technical features of the payment network
- Supporting Dubai’s strategic economic agenda
- Banking leadership statements on the cooperation
- Future prospects for the financial and digital sector
- Frequently asked questions
Launch of digital and innovative corporate cards
As part of its continuous and diligent efforts to enhance its prominent leadership in the UAE financial and banking sector, Commercial Bank of Dubai announced on July 20, 2026, an important strategic step consisting of becoming one of the first established banking institutions to officially adopt the advanced national “Jaywan” system. This practical adoption was embodied through the launch of prepaid cards issued under dedicated corporate programs, ultimately making them available for efficient use by individuals and employees. This early launch reflects the bank’s steadfast commitment to supporting and developing the national payment ecosystem, and its active contribution to the state-sponsored financial infrastructure modernization drive to ensure the independence and security of local payment systems.
Comprehensive overview of the national Jaywan system
The “Jaywan” system, managed and professionally supervised by Etihad Payments—a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates—is the most prominent national project in the domestic card and payments sector. This strategic system aims to establish a strong and sustainable local payment network that enhances financial independence and reduces reliance on external payment service providers. It is distinguished by its superior capability to process payment transactions locally via an independent infrastructure, ensuring data security and privacy for both citizens and residents alike.
High technical features of the payment network
The system provides great flexibility in issuing various types of approved financial cards, including debit, prepaid, and credit cards. The national network ensures widespread acceptance across all point-of-sale terminals, e-commerce platforms, and ATMs throughout the country. Furthermore, it offers full and advanced support for fast contactless payment technologies and card tokenization services via global and local digital wallets to enhance user convenience and the end-user experience in a manner comparable to major global systems.
Supporting Dubai’s strategic economic agenda
This launch is not limited to offering a new financial product; rather, it comes within the bank’s strategy aimed at expanding the scope of available digital payment solutions. The bank seeks to provide flexible options that meet the growing needs of businesses. This orientation aligns closely with the objectives of Dubai’s ambitious economic agenda, which clearly aims to cement the emirate’s position as an innovative and competitive financial and economic hub in the digital age, relying on advanced solutions to revitalize market activity.
Banking leadership statements on the cooperation
Ms. Andrea Cianchetti, Chief Product Officer at Etihad Payments, stated that prepaid card solutions contribute to expanding access to basic financial services and meet customer needs. She emphasized that cooperation with the bank reflects the adoption of the system as a strategic choice that provides secure and comprehensive payment solutions. For her part, Ms. Ayesha Al Mazrooei, Chief Customer Officer at Commercial Bank of Dubai, confirmed that the launch represents a crucial milestone in supporting the national ecosystem and reflects a full alignment with the vision of building a more independent, efficient, and secure financial environment.
Future prospects for the financial and digital sector
The bank continues with steady steps in its close and fruitful cooperation with regulatory authorities to enhance the digital payments ecosystem. These joint efforts aim to establish higher levels of ease in completing transactions, increase financial transparency, and build sustainable trust in the banking sector. Adopting globally competitive local financial solutions represents a vital step to ensure the stability of the UAE’s economic infrastructure amid rapid challenges.
Frequently asked questions
Question: What is the national “Jaywan” payment system in the UAE?
Answer: It is a modern national card system managed by Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank, to process payment transactions through a secure and independent local infrastructure.
Question: What are the most prominent features of the prepaid cards launched by the bank?
Answer: They feature wide acceptance across points of sale, support for e-commerce and contactless payments, and the ability to be securely integrated and tokenized in digital wallets.
Question: How does this step support Dubai’s economic vision and agenda?
Answer: It supports objectives aimed at establishing an innovative and flexible economy by providing advanced financial solutions that reduce reliance on external foreign networks.
Question: To whom are these new cards available at the current stage?
Answer: They are currently available and issued under dedicated programs for companies and institutions to be used and managed by employees to facilitate their business operations and daily expenses.
