The UAE has launched the Jaywan card to simplify daily financial transactions for residents. This domestic payment system offers personalized solutions and bonuses tailored to local needs while strengthening the UAE's payment infrastructure and global connectivity.
The system is managed by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE. The Jaywan card is intended to be a widely accepted method of payment for purchases, online transactions, and travel. Users can use Jaywan cards to withdraw cash from ATMs, make in-store purchases, and shop online, making them convenient for daily expenses. The system also supports contactless payments and plans to expand into digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
UAE residents will be able to pay with the card when buying groceries, ordering taxis, or paying utility bills, similar to how they use other bank cards in the country.
Currently, the scheme provides debit and prepaid cards, with the issuance of credit cards planned for the future. Residents need to contact their participating bank to apply for a card. The main goal of this initiative is to offer a fast, secure, and easy-to-use payment tool that promotes the development of the UAE's national payment ecosystem.
One of the attractive aspects of this scheme is the range of benefits available to premium cardholders. Owners of the premium Jaywan card can take advantage of special offers at over 150 stores and service providers in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, shopping, entertainment, dining, as well as healthcare and wellness.
Security is a critical element of this system. The measures employed are designed to protect users when making payments both in physical stores and online. Jaywan utilizes globally recognized security technologies.
The card is designed for both domestic and international use, and its implementation plans to ensure acceptance in over 100 countries. This means residents can use the same card for local purchases and spending during foreign vacations, reducing the need to have multiple different payment products.
According to information published by the Central Bank of the UAE, eleven financial institutions are ready to issue Jaywan cards. These include: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB), Emirates NBD, Bank of Baroda, Citi, Emirates Islamic, Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), Botim, MBank, and Al Ansari Exchange. Other banks, exchange houses, and fintech companies are expected to join the scheme in subsequent phases.
For most residents, the Jaywan card is valuable due to its combination of everyday usability, reliability, and bonus programs. In addition to supporting routine spending, online shopping, and travel, premium users receive extra privileges, including lounge access, travel insurance, and retail discounts. Thus, the scheme contributes to achieving the UAE's goal of strengthening the national payment infrastructure and expanding locally focused payment solutions.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its openness to individuals looking to improve their lives through the simplicity of obtaining visas, as well as its broad opportunities in career and lifestyle. One of the most attractive permits for tourists is the five-year multiple-entry visa.
This document allows travelers to enter the country for up to 90 days within five years, eliminating the need to apply for a new visa with each visit. The visa permits a stay of three months per entry, which can be extended by another 90 days within one year. This permit is available to citizens of all nationalities, reflecting the diversity of the UAE.
The visa was initially approved by the UAE Cabinet in 2021 during a meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The goal of this step was to position the UAE as an ideal destination for tourism and work. At the same time, the cabinet approved a remote work visa allowing employees from around the world to live and work in the UAE for a year.
In addition to these permits, there are other initiatives aimed at attracting people to develop in the country and strengthen its infrastructure. Recently, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism announced the launch of the 'A Dubai Invite' program, which runs from July 20 to October 31, 2026. Under this program, residents can receive various rewards, such as hotel stays, restaurant offers, and city attractions visits, if they successfully nominate friends or family members and confirm their visit.
To apply for the five-year multiple-entry visa, several basic requirements must be met to avoid legal consequences or refusal. The applicant's passport or other travel documents must be valid for at least six months and allow entry into the country, as well as return to the country of permanent residence or the issuing country. An airline ticket for continuing the trip or exiting the UAE is also required.
Furthermore, the applicant must have valid medical insurance in the UAE. Documentary proof of a bank balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in other currencies must be provided six months prior to submitting the application. The applicant must not stay in the country continuously for more than 90 days; this period can be extended for a similar duration, provided the total number of days spent in the year does not exceed 180. A color passport-sized photograph is required. Family visas can be applied for children under 18. Depending on nationality, additional documents may be required, such as an Iraqi population pass, Iranian Censusnamah, or Pakistani or Afghan ID for beneficiaries.
Visa applications can be submitted through several channels: digital platforms such as the ICP and GDRFA websites, as well as physical customer service centers, printing centers, and GDRFA centers. Through any of these channels, processing the visa takes up to 48 hours.
Through digital channels, the applicant should log into the smart services system using UAE Pass or a login, find the application form for the five-year document, fill in the necessary details, and pay the service fee. If applying at customer service centers, GDRFA, or printing centers, one must visit the nearest such center, take an automatic ticket, wait in line, then submit the application with all information and documents, and complete the process by paying the fee.
The application fee amount may vary slightly depending on the submission location. When applying via the ICP website, clients must pay a fee of 3775 dirhams. If the application is submitted via the GDRFA website, the amount is 3713.5 dirhams. Additional fees include: application fee—100 dirhams, issuance fee—500 dirhams, guarantee deposit—3000 dirhams, guarantee service fee—21 dirhams, collection and return of guarantee fee—20 dirhams, plus 10 dirhams for Know Your Dirham and 10 dirhams for Innovative Dirham, and a total service fee of 52.5 dirhams.
To avoid fines or future refusals, it is important to follow specific rules after receiving the visa. The visa holder must enter the UAE within 60 days of the issue date. It is important to remember that the annual limit of 90 days is calculated from the date of the first entry into the UAE, not from the beginning of the calendar year or the visa issue date. Since this is a multiple-entry visa, re-entries are permitted as long as the stay does not exceed 90 days. The length of stay can be increased by an equal period if the total time in the year does not exceed 180 days. If the stay does not reach 90 days, the remaining days are not carried over to the next year. Violating the established length of stay invalidates the visa, and refunds are not issued. To track used time, the visa holder or their representative can request a travel report documenting entry and exit.
The application will be automatically rejected if the required data is not completed within 30 days of the return date, or if the application is returned three times due to missing information or incomplete documents. Usually, the reason for refusal is indicated if conditions are not met, but the authority reserves the right not to disclose the reason for refusal.
Unlike most cases where registration fees are non-refundable, the five-year multiple-entry visa provides for a refund in case of cancellation, expiration, or refusal. In case of refusal, the applicant receives a refund of the issuance fee, medical insurance fees, and paid financial deposits. Refunds for paid fees are made to the credit card used for payment within 180 days from the main application date. If the refund conditions are met, the applicant can request a refund by check or bank transfer to banks located in the UAE. If the main application date exceeds 180 days, the refund will only be made by check or bank transfer to UAE banks, and this process may begin within five years from the date the right to refund arises. It should be noted that financial deposits are collected directly in case of violation of rules regarding entry and stay in the country.
Visitors to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are invited to participate in a number of events this coming weekend that could bring significant winnings, including prizes such as AirPods, Ray-Ban sunglasses, gold bars, gift vouchers, and even a new car.
If you prefer intellectual games, the Rowley's Yas Bay Key Hunt quest will take place in Abu Dhabi. It starts on July 17, and participants will search for one of 12 hidden keys in two secret locations in Yas Bay. At 6:00 PM, mysterious clues will be posted on the restaurant's Instagram Stories, and registered participants will receive search zone maps.
Those who find the key can win prizes with a total value exceeding 13,000 dirhams. These include AirPods, Ray-Ban sunglasses, Polaroid cameras, annual Yas Bay passes, free meals at Rowley's, Red Tail membership, and the desired Birthday Steak Pass. Participation is free after registration.
Families can visit Arabian Center, where beloved Cocomelon characters like JJ and Cody will appear throughout the weekend. Children can meet these popular characters, take photos, and participate in a special summer program that includes slime-making workshops, storytelling sessions, face painting, and applied arts classes. These activities run daily until August 2 and offer a convenient indoor option during school holidays.
Furthermore, by visiting Arabian Center, shoppers can keep their receipts and enter a digital giveaway as part of Dubai Summer Surprises to win one of 10 Exceed LX cars, enjoying seasonal promotions and entertainment at the mall.
Residents and visitors heading to Sharjah can take advantage of the Sharjah Summer Promotions 2026 campaign. This campaign offers discounts of up to 75 percent in participating stores, hotels, and restaurants. Shoppers who spend 200 dirhams or more can enter digital raffles with a chance to win gold bars and gift vouchers. A luxury car will also be raffled off later as part of the campaign. Over 700 prizes will be given out during the summer, and the next major draw is scheduled for August 1.
If you prefer not to spend money on shopping, Dubai Summer Surprises organizes various free entertainment events across the city. Visitors can enjoy live performances in malls, explore Modesh World at Dubai World Trade Centre, watch a live performance by K-Pop Demon Hunters at City Centre Mirdif, or take part in the Indoor Dubai Mallathon, which turns shopping centers into air-conditioned tracks for walking and running.
Music enthusiasts can end the weekend at Coca-Cola Arena, where Michael Lives Forever will perform on Saturday, July 18. This tribute show recreates some of Michael Jackson's most iconic performances, including classic songs like Beat It, Thriller, Smooth Criminal, and Dangerous. Ticket prices start from 125 dirhams.
