UAE Jaywan cardholders are set to gain wider international payment access through a new agreement between Al Etihad Payments (AEP) and UnionPay International. The partnership will connect Jaywan mono-badged cards to UnionPay’s global network, which currently covers 183 countries and regions. The rollout is expected to make overseas spending and cross-border payments more convenient for UAE residents, although international acceptance will be introduced in phases.
- Location: UAE, with international acceptance through the UnionPay network
- Organisations: Al Etihad Payments and UnionPay International
- Status: International rollout planned in phases
- Who is affected: UAE Jaywan cardholders
- Business impact: Wider payment connectivity for residents, businesses and cross-border transactions
- What’s next: A pilot in mainland China before expansion into other overseas markets
UAE Jaywan cards are set to become usable across a much wider international network following an agreement between Al Etihad Payments and UnionPay International. The partnership will allow Jaywan mono-badged cards to connect with UnionPay’s global acceptance network, which covers 183 countries and regions.
The move is another step in the UAE’s push to build a stronger national payments infrastructure while making cross-border transactions easier. However, cardholders should note that the international rollout will happen gradually rather than making every Jaywan card immediately usable worldwide.
Jaywan cards are getting wider international reach
Al Etihad Payments, which operates the UAE’s domestic card scheme Jaywan, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UnionPay International to expand the overseas use of Jaywan mono-badged cards.
UnionPay says its network currently supports card acceptance in 183 countries and regions. Its international network is backed by partnerships with more than 2,600 institutions worldwide.
For UAE residents, the agreement could make Jaywan a more practical option for international travel and spending. Instead of being limited primarily to domestic transactions, participating Jaywan cards will gradually gain access to a much larger overseas network.
The important point is that this is an expansion plan, not an announcement that all Jaywan cards can already be used across all 183 markets.
When will UAE Jaywan cards work overseas?
The international rollout is expected to begin with a pilot in mainland China, followed by expansion into other overseas markets.
This phased approach allows the partners to test and develop the infrastructure needed for international acceptance before widening the service.
The arrangement also builds on earlier cooperation between AEP and UnionPay. In 2025, the two organisations agreed to introduce UnionPay-Jaywan co-badged cards in the UAE, combining Jaywan’s domestic network with UnionPay’s international reach.
The latest development focuses on expanding the international usability of Jaywan itself, giving the UAE’s national card scheme a broader role in cross-border payments.
Jaywan is already expanding across the UAE
The international UnionPay agreement comes shortly after Jaywan officially began nationwide card issuance.
On July 20, 2026, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated Jaywan as the UAE’s first national card scheme and announced the start of nationwide issuance by banks, licensed financial institutions and exchange houses.
By July 23, 11 financial institutions had completed preparations to issue Jaywan cards. These include First Abu Dhabi Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, Bank of Baroda, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Emirates Islamic, Mbank, Citi, Al Ansari Exchange and Botim Money.
Other banks, exchange houses and fintech companies are expected to join the scheme in phases.
What can Jaywan cards be used for?
Jaywan was designed as a domestic payment scheme supporting several types of transactions.
According to the Central Bank of the UAE, the scheme can support online payments, ATM withdrawals and point-of-sale transactions. It is also intended to offer debit, prepaid and eventually credit card options.
The UAE has also been developing Jaywan’s online acceptance. Network International announced in July that it had enabled Jaywan payments across thousands of online merchants through its e-commerce payment gateway in the UAE.
This means the scheme is expanding on both sides: domestic acceptance is growing while international connectivity is being developed.
Why it matters for UAE residents and businesses
The UnionPay partnership could have practical benefits for people who travel frequently, shop internationally or make cross-border payments.
For residents:
- Greater choice when paying abroad
- Easier access to international merchants and ATMs as rollout expands
- A national payment card with growing overseas functionality
For businesses:
- More payment options for customers
- Stronger links between UAE and international payment networks
- Potentially smoother cross-border transactions
The development also supports the UAE’s wider goal of building a secure and efficient digital payments ecosystem.
The CBUAE has positioned Jaywan as a way to strengthen domestic payment resilience, improve efficiency and support innovation while providing a local alternative within the country’s financial infrastructure.
For UAE residents, the biggest change is the potential to use a Jaywan mono-badged card beyond the UAE as international acceptance expands.
For travellers, this could mean greater convenience when spending overseas. Businesses and fintech companies also stand to benefit from a growing national payment ecosystem that is increasingly connected to international networks.
However, availability will depend on the specific card, issuing institution and stage of the rollout. Cardholders should check with their bank before travelling rather than assuming that every Jaywan card is already accepted in every UnionPay market.
FAQs
Can Jaywan cards be used outside the UAE?
Yes, international use is being developed through agreements with global payment networks. The latest UnionPay partnership is intended to expand the overseas acceptance of Jaywan mono-badged cards.
How many countries accept UnionPay?
UnionPay says its cards can be used across 183 countries and regions.
Can I use my Jaywan card in all 183 countries now?
Not necessarily. The international rollout is being introduced in phases, beginning with a pilot in mainland China. Cardholders should confirm international availability with their issuing bank.
Is Jaywan only for debit cards?
No. The Central Bank of the UAE says Jaywan is designed to support debit, prepaid and credit card variants, although availability depends on the issuing financial institution.
What is Jaywan?
Jaywan is the UAE’s first national card scheme, operated by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE. It was created to strengthen the country’s domestic payment infrastructure and support digital payments.
The UnionPay agreement marks another major step in the development of UAE Jaywan cards. While worldwide use will not happen overnight, the planned rollout could give the UAE’s national card scheme a much stronger international presence.
With Jaywan already expanding among UAE banks, exchange houses and fintech companies, its connection to UnionPay’s 183-country network could make it increasingly relevant for both everyday payments and international travel.
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