Jaywan Card Scheme Expands Across UAE Banks in 2026

The Jaywan card scheme expands across UAE banks, strengthening the country’s domestic payment infrastructure and digital economy

The Jaywan card scheme is gaining momentum across the UAE as banks and financial institutions begin adopting the country's first domestic card payment network. Operated by Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, the initiative is part of the country's efforts to develop a more independent, secure, and future-ready financial ecosystem.

The UAE domestic card scheme is designed to support local payment needs while improving affordability, security, and access to digital financial services. It is expected to play an important role in strengthening the country's payment infrastructure and supporting the continued growth of its digital economy.

Jaywan Partners With Mastercard

In January 2026, AEP partnered with Mastercard to launch the Jaywan Mastercard co-badged credit card. The collaboration also included the establishment of a new Mastercard operations centre in the UAE, which will become part of Mastercard's global network and provide advanced card payment services to local and regional markets.

The partnership combines the reach of an international payment network with the capabilities of the UAE national payment scheme, giving consumers access to both domestic and international payment functionality.

According to Al Etihad Payments, Jaywan is intended to strengthen the country's payments ecosystem while supporting innovation and financial inclusion.

Banks Roll Out Jaywan Cards

Several banks are participating in the rollout, including Sharjah Islamic Bank, RAKBANK, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Emirates Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Mashreq, Mbank, AL Hilal Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Wio Bank. International institutions such as HSBC and Bank of Baroda are also among the participating financial institutions.

Sharjah Islamic Bank has introduced SIB Jaywan-branded cards, which are supported through its merchant acquiring platform, SIB Pay.

Supporting UAE’s Digital Payment Future

The Jaywan UAE initiative is designed to support payments across point-of-sale terminals, e-commerce platforms, ATMs, and digital wallets. Payment-related data is secured, processed, and stored within the UAE, while the scheme is also expected to offer lower electronic payment costs for consumers, merchants, and licensed financial institutions.

For businesses, the UAE national card network could help reduce transaction costs and improve customer experiences. For consumers, it offers a locally focused payment option with an emphasis on security and convenience.

A Step Toward Greater Financial Independence

The rollout of the Jaywan card scheme reflects the UAE's broader ambition to build a resilient and digitally advanced financial infrastructure. By bringing domestic payment capabilities together with international partnerships, the initiative could create new opportunities for financial innovation while supporting businesses, consumers, and the country's growing digital economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Jaywan in the UAE?
Jaywan is the UAE's domestic card payment scheme, developed to provide secure and reliable payment services tailored to local needs.

2. Who operates the Jaywan payment scheme?
Jaywan is operated by Al Etihad Payments, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE.

3. What is the Jaywan Mastercard card?
The Jaywan Mastercard is a co-badged card launched through a partnership between Al Etihad Payments and Mastercard, combining the domestic scheme with Mastercard's international payment network.

4. Which banks are participating in Jaywan?
Participating banks include ADCB, ADIB, Emirates Islamic, Dubai Islamic Bank, Mashreq, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Wio Bank, Sharjah Islamic Bank, and several other local and international financial institutions.

5. How will Jaywan benefit businesses and consumers?
Jaywan aims to provide secure and affordable electronic payments while potentially reducing transaction costs for merchants and supporting greater financial inclusion across the UAE.