The UAE has officially entered a new phase of financial independence with the rollout of Jaywan, the nation’s first domestic card payment scheme. Operated by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, the system is designed to provide a secure, cost-effective, and localized alternative to international payment networks. To bolster its capabilities, the initiative has already secured a partnership with Mastercard to introduce co-badged cards, supported by a new local operations center that integrates the UAE into the global financial infrastructure.

Major financial institutions, including Sharjah Islamic Bank, RAKBANK, ADCB, and several others, have already begun issuing Jaywan-branded cards, signaling widespread industry adoption. By keeping transaction data within the country and offering lower costs for both merchants and consumers, the scheme aims to drive digital transformation and financial inclusion. Industry leaders emphasize that Jaywan is more than just a card; it represents a strategic milestone in the UAE's goal to build a resilient, future-ready economy that prioritizes domestic security and seamless payment experiences across ATMs, e-commerce, and point-of-sale terminals.