Business & Economy

Al Etihad Payments signs global co-badging deals for Jaywan cards with major payment giants

Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), announced the signing of strategic co-badging agreements with leading international card schemes, including Discover, Mastercard, UnionPay and Visa. The agreements…

Hana SiddiquiHana Siddiqui covers regulation, tax, compliance, corporate governance
Hana SiddiquiPublished June 6, 2025 · 2:17 PMUpdated June 28, 2026 · 8:12 AM1 MIN READ
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Al Etihad Payments signs global co-badging deals for Jaywan cards with major payment giants

Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), announced the signing of strategic co-badging agreements with leading international card schemes, including Discover, Mastercard, UnionPay and Visa.

The agreements are aimed at enhancing the usage of Jaywan, the UAE’s domestic card scheme, by enabling international transactions while ensuring a strong and efficient domestic payment network.

Strategic co-badging partnerships announced

The tie-up with international card issuing companies will provide Jaywan cardholders the flexibility to transact worldwide, leveraging the reach of their payment networks.

Within the UAE, Jaywan transactions will continue to be processed securely through UAESWITCH, maintaining a high standard of reliability and performance, Al Etihad Payments said.

Saif Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Al Etihad Payments, said the company is leveraging advanced technology and strategic partnerships to create a secure and efficient payment ecosystem that aligns with the nation’s vision for innovation and financial empowerment.

Al Etihad Payments said Jaywan will introduce debit and prepaid co-badged cards for everyday transactions, salary disbursements, and secure cross-border payments.

UAE financial institutions will begin issuing Jaywan co-badged cards from H2 of 2025, it said.

Jaywan co-badge cards will provide international acceptance, ensuring seamless travel and cross-border payments for cardholders.

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