What happened?
The UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced Aani and Jaywan as new payment channels for federal government fees and fines.
Who is affected?
UAE residents, businesses, government service users and federal entities that collect fees and fines.
Why does it matter?
The move expands digital payment options, speeds up transactions and supports the UAE’s vision of building a secure, modern and cashless payment ecosystem.
The UAE Ministry of Finance has added Aani and Jaywan as new payment options for federal fees and fines, making it easier for residents and businesses to pay for government services. Announced by the Ministry of Finance, the initiative makes the ministry the first federal government entity to implement the two nationally developed payment systems. The move supports the UAE’s wider digital transformation strategy by offering faster, safer and more convenient ways to complete government transactions while strengthening the country’s national payments infrastructure.
What are Aani and Jaywan, and why are they being introduced?
The latest initiative is part of the Ministry of Finance’s efforts to modernise how government payments are made across the UAE.
By introducing Aani, the UAE’s national instant payment platform, and Jaywan, the country’s domestic card payment scheme, the ministry aims to give customers more flexibility when paying federal fees and fines.
The rollout follows Cabinet Resolution No. (176M/4M) of 2026, allowing other federal entities and collection banks to adopt both payment systems according to approved procedures.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the initiative will help create a more connected, secure and efficient payment ecosystem across government services.
How will Aani work for government payments?
Developed under the supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), Aani enables instant payments and fund transfers 24 hours a day.
Users can make payments using several identifiers, including:
- Mobile number
- Emirates ID
- Email address
- QR code
- International Bank Account Number (IBAN)
Instead of relying solely on traditional bank transfers or card payments, customers can complete eligible government transactions almost instantly through the digital platform.
The introduction of Aani is expected to simplify payment processes while reducing waiting times for users.
What is Jaywan and why is it important?
Jaywan is the UAE’s first national domestic card scheme, launched by the Central Bank to strengthen the country’s financial infrastructure.
Unlike international payment networks, Jaywan has been developed specifically for the UAE market, supporting the country’s long-term vision of expanding locally managed payment solutions.
The nationwide rollout of Jaywan began earlier this year, with banks, exchange houses and licensed financial institutions gradually issuing the cards.
Its integration into government payment channels marks another important milestone in the UAE’s growing digital economy.
How does this benefit UAE residents and businesses?
For customers, the biggest advantage is greater payment choice.
Residents paying federal service fees or fines will have more digital options that fit their everyday banking habits.
Businesses dealing with government transactions can also benefit from faster processing times and smoother payment experiences.
The Ministry of Finance says integrating Aani and Jaywan will also improve revenue collection, reduce transaction costs and strengthen connections between government entities, banks and payment providers.
As more organisations adopt the systems, users are expected to enjoy a more consistent payment experience across federal services.
Part of the UAE’s wider digital transformation
The announcement builds on the UAE government’s broader efforts to modernise financial services.
Over the past year, the Ministry of Finance has introduced several digital initiatives, including expanding electronic invoicing systems and supporting innovative financial technologies that improve government services.
Meanwhile, the Central Bank continues to strengthen the country’s national payments infrastructure through projects such as Aani and Jaywan, helping reduce reliance on international payment networks while supporting a secure digital economy.
These initiatives align with the UAE’s long-term vision of creating smarter government services that are faster, more efficient and easier for customers to use.
Why It Matters
The introduction of Aani and Jaywan offers practical benefits for both residents and businesses across the UAE.
Key takeaways include:
- More payment choices for federal government services.
- Faster transactions through instant digital payments.
- Improved convenience for residents and businesses.
- Lower processing costs and more efficient government revenue collection.
- Future expansion, as other federal entities and collection banks are expected to adopt both systems.
For most users, the biggest change will be having additional secure payment methods when dealing with federal government services.
FAQs
What has changed for federal government payments in the UAE?
The Ministry of Finance has introduced Aani and Jaywan as new payment options for federal government fees and fines.
What is Aani?
Aani is the UAE’s national instant payment platform that allows secure real-time payments using mobile numbers, Emirates ID, email addresses, QR codes or IBANs.
What is Jaywan?
Jaywan is the UAE’s domestic card payment scheme developed by the Central Bank to strengthen the country’s national payment infrastructure.
Who can use these payment options?
Residents, businesses and anyone paying eligible federal government fees or fines through participating government services will benefit as the rollout expands.
Will other government entities introduce these payment methods?
Yes. Following the Ministry of Finance’s implementation, other federal entities and collection banks are expected to introduce Aani and Jaywan according to approved procedures.
The Ministry of Finance’s adoption of Aani and Jaywan marks another step in the UAE’s journey towards a smarter and more connected digital economy. By expanding payment choices for federal fees and fines, the initiative aims to make government services faster, simpler, and more convenient for residents and businesses while strengthening the country’s national payment infrastructure.
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