UAE Expands Federal Payment Channels with Aani and Jaywan

The UAE Ministry of Finance has approved Aani and Jaywan as new payment channels for federal service fees and fines, becoming the first federal government entity to implement the two nationally developed payment solutions. The move marks another major step in strengthening the country's digital payments ecosystem and advancing its cashless economy ambitions. 

The decision follows Cabinet Resolution No. (176M/4M) of 2026, which authorises the adoption of Aani and Jaywan and sets the applicable fees for their use. The Ministry said the initiative paves the way for other federal entities and collection banks to integrate the new payment channels into their services in line with approved procedures. 

Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, said the adoption of the two platforms reflects the Ministry's commitment to embracing nationally developed financial innovations. He noted that integrating Aani and Jaywan into government payment systems will simplify transactions, improve customer experience and strengthen the resilience of the UAE's financial infrastructure. 

The Ministry added that becoming one of the first federal entities to implement the new payment solutions supports the UAE's vision of building a secure, efficient and fully integrated digital financial ecosystem while enhancing connectivity with banks and payment service providers. 

Saeed Rashid Al Yateem, Assistant Undersecretary for the Government Budget and Revenue Sector, said the initiative will accelerate revenue collection, expand payment options for customers and improve integration with the UAE's national payments infrastructure. He added that the system will provide greater flexibility and efficiency in processing government financial transactions. 

Aani is the UAE's national instant payment platform, developed under the supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE. It enables secure, real-time transfers around the clock using multiple identifiers, including mobile phone numbers, Emirates ID, email addresses, QR codes and IBANs. 

Jaywan, the UAE's domestic card payment scheme, was launched to strengthen the national payments ecosystem by providing a secure and efficient local alternative for card-based transactions. The system is designed to support the country's digital economy while offering customers greater flexibility when making payments for government services. 

The introduction of Aani and Jaywan into federal payment channels reinforces the UAE's broader strategy to modernise public services, accelerate digital transformation and provide residents and businesses with faster, more convenient and secure payment options.