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• Domestic card scheme accelerates UAE’s vision of financial inclusion

Network International LLC (Network), a leading enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, has been appointed by Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, to enable acceptance of Jaywan cards issued by the bank at Network’s merchant terminals. Network will leverage its payment expertise to enable merchant acceptance of the UAE’s domestic card scheme, in partnership with Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE.

As the first major issuer, Emirates NBD will roll out Jaywan cards to customers, which will be accepted at the bank’s ATMs, Network terminals and e-payment gateways. Network will facilitate access to more than 60,000 merchant partners in the UAE across sectors including high-end retail, hospitality, electronics, jewellery, and hypermarkets. 

As the leading acquirer in the region with more than 30 years of expertise in digital payment solutions, Network will power Jaywan cards enablement and contribute towards the UAE’s agenda of financial inclusion and stability.

Nandan Mer, Group CEO of Network International, said: “We are proud to collaborate with Emirates NBD to power the first issued Jaywan cards in the UAE. As the country’s domestic card scheme, Jaywan will enable secure, seamless, and reliable transactions, leveraging Network’s deep expertise and merchant base. While Jaywan cards accelerate financial inclusion efforts in the UAE, the scheme also aligns with Network’s commitment to innovation and excellence, reinforcing its position as the local and regional leader in digital payment solutions.”

Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, commented: “We are pleased to partner with Network International to issue the first Jaywan cards in the UAE. The partnership will help accelerate the ongoing momentum of establishing a robust digital payments ecosystem in the country, while giving our customers a secure and seamless payment solution. As a leading card issuer in the region, we see this as a strong opportunity to establish ourselves as a key player in the issuing space and support the UAE’s vision to become a cashless economy.”

Jan Pilbauer, CEO, Al Etihad Payments, said: “Jaywan is designed as a card system that serves the national objectives of financial stability and improving financial inclusion by building an accessible and affordable payments network for UAE residents. The partnership with Network International empowers merchants with seamless transaction capabilities. This collaboration will enable Emirates NBD customers to transact effortlessly across the UAE, enhancing their overall payments experience.”

The Jaywan domestic card scheme aims to advance the UAE national agenda of promoting digital payments by boosting cashless transactions across all segments of customers. These cards are available to all licensed financial institutions in the UAE, which will issue them to various customer segments. The roll out is planned in phases and will eventually enable UAE residents to make card-based transactions in select countries.