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First Abu Dhabi Bank announced the launch of the Emirati Jaywan Debit Card on July 20, 2026. The debit card is issued under the UAE national card scheme managed by Al Etihad Payments and backed by the Central Bank of the UAE. It is currently available for domestic use only as part of the national deployment. The introduction forms part of coordinated efforts across local banks to expand adoption of the sovereign payment instrument.
Futoon Al Mazrouei, Group Head of Personal, Wealth and Business Banking at FAB, said, “The Jaywan Debit Card reflects FAB’s commitment to delivering secure, innovative and customer-focused payment solutions that support the UAE’s evolving financial ecosystem. As the national card scheme continues to strengthen the country’s payments infrastructure, Jaywan combines the trust of a nationally backed solution with the convenience customers expect. Through this initiative, we are contributing to the UAE’s vision for a more connected, resilient and inclusive financial future while enhancing everyday banking for our customers.” She framed the card as a direct response to rising demand for locally controlled options.
Andrea Ciancetti, Chief Products Officer at Al Etihad Payments, said that the Jaywan Debit Card has been developed to provide the UAE with a sovereign, domestic card scheme that supports convenient, secure and efficient payments across everyday use cases. His remarks, included in materials distributed with the FAB announcement, underlined the scheme’s design priorities. The collaboration between the bank and the national operator highlights structured progress toward expanded local payment autonomy.
Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, readied the Jaywan infrastructure in February 2025 according to an earlier statement from the organisation. The operator positioned the scheme as the UAE’s first domestic card network created to strengthen the country’s role as a global hub for digital payments and to address costs tied to foreign processors. Jaywan cards function across ATMs, point-of-sale terminals and e-commerce channels within the country, the operator has stated. Participation has grown since that activation with multiple banks issuing their versions.
Central Bank of the UAE data has shown consistent increases in electronic payment volumes in recent years, a pattern that the Jaywan program seeks to accelerate through competitive domestic alternatives. The platform operates as a fully locally owned and managed system, setting it apart from previous arrangements that depended more heavily on external networks. First Abu Dhabi Bank’s addition to the issuer list extends availability to a wider segment of personal and business clients across the Emirates.
Further institutions including Emirates NBD and United Arab Bank have issued Jaywan products in preceding months according to their respective announcements. The Central Bank subsidiary continues to coordinate with participating banks to maintain uniform security and operational standards. The FAB launch adds to the accumulating momentum behind the national payments initiative without altering core eligibility or acceptance parameters.
