Dubai residents banking with Emirates NBD will soon notice a major change in how they approve online transactions. Beginning 1 November 2025, SMS one-time passwords (OTPs) will be phased out for smaller payments, with push notifications through the ENBD X app becoming the new standard.
How the new system will work
Instead of receiving an OTP by SMS, customers will now get a push notification on the ENBD X app once they initiate an online transfer or payment. They can then confirm the details and verify the transaction using either Smart Pass or biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition.
Once approved within the app, customers return to the shopping site or platform to complete the payment. For those with notifications turned off, the app can be opened manually to review and confirm.
Rollout timeline
From 1 November, the update will apply to transactions of AED 100 or less. Emirates NBD has not yet given details for higher-value payments, but the UAE Central Bank requires all banks to complete the shift away from SMS OTPs by March 2026. Debit and credit card alerts will also move to the app shortly after this first phase.
The UAE Central Bank issued the directive in mid-2025 to improve digital banking security and convenience. SMS OTPs are no longer seen as reliable due to risks such as phishing and SIM-swap fraud. Moving to Smart Pass and biometrics adds stronger layers of protection and reduces delays linked to missed or late text messages.
What customers need to prepare
To avoid disruption, Emirates NBD account holders should:
- Update the ENBD X app to the latest version
- Enable push notifications for smooth approvals
- Register for Smart Pass or activate biometrics on the app
- Watch for updates from the bank about higher-value transactions
A secure digital banking
This transition reflects the UAE’s broader move towards advanced, secure digital banking. For customers, it means quicker approvals and more reliable safeguards against fraud. Emirates NBD, one of the region’s largest banks, is among the first to introduce the change ahead of the March 2026 deadline.
The shift signals a future where banking is faster, safer, and more integrated into everyday digital life in Dubai.
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