With the launch of the first Jaywan prepaid card in the United Arab Emirates, IDEMIA and Emirates NBD are taking a major step forward. This innovation aligns with the Central Bank’s vision of enhanced security, financial inclusion, and national sovereignty in the UAE.

A local card serving national identity

The Jaywan card is integrated into the UAE’s first domestic payment network. Designed to support the country’s local transaction infrastructure, it reinforces monetary identity and ensures every operation remains under regional oversight. As Emirates NBD’s partner, IDEMIA manufactures and personalizes the card in its certified centers in Shenzhen and Dubai, approved by Al Etihad Payments. This positioning guarantees compliance with the strict security standards required by the country’s financial authorities.

Security and biometrics: IDEMIA’s strengths

Backed by its expertise in biometrics and cryptography, IDEMIA incorporates advanced security features to ensure transaction reliability. Although Jaywan is primarily a prepaid card, the robustness of its authentication mechanisms demonstrates IDEMIA’s skill in safeguarding identity data, whether for domestic or international payments. Being able to secure an operation from issuance builds trust among users and institutions in this new payment infrastructure.

Benefits of a national and independent payment system

By replacing global networks, the Jaywan card lowers transaction fees tied to off-network payments. It promotes greater financial inclusion, especially for underserved populations, while strengthening economic autonomy in the UAE. The system prioritizes reduced transaction costs, benefiting users, merchants, and the local economy. The card is available as a single-badge for domestic and GCC use, with the option of co-badging for international compatibility.

Driven by the UAE Central Bank and IDEMIA, the Jaywan card reflects a shared vision: to build a resilient, modern, and secure national payment system. In a context where economic sovereignty is a strategic concern, having internal transaction infrastructure is a key to independence and flexibility.

This collaboration between IDEMIA, Emirates NBD, and Al Etihad Payments represents a concrete step toward a strong, localized financial infrastructure. It lays the foundation for a scalable ecosystem where innovations in biometrics, digital identity, and secure payments can evolve seamlessly.

With the rollout of the Jaywan card, the UAE is advancing toward a secure, accessible, and autonomous payment ecosystem. This project showcases IDEMIA’s ability to turn technological challenges into practical solutions that serve national identity and the local economy.

Source: https://www.idemia.com/fr/actualite/idemia-et-emirates-nbd-lancent-la-premiere-carte-prepayee-jaywan-aux-eau-2025-06-02