Network International Expands UAE Jaywan Card Acceptance to Online E-commerce Merchants

Quick Summary

Network International has expanded the Jaywan card acceptance scheme to include online payments across the UAE. This integration allows cardholders to use the UAE’s domestic card scheme for e-commerce transactions through Network’s gateway, supporting the nation’s digital transformation strategy and drive toward a cashless economy.

How Does Jaywan Card Acceptance Benefit UAE E-commerce?

Jaywan card acceptance now extends beyond physical stores into the digital realm, providing a secure payment gateway for thousands of online merchants. By integrating this domestic scheme, Network International ensures that local payment processing is both fast and cost-effective. Merchants benefit significantly as there are no additional fees for processing Jaywan transactions through the gateway, encouraging wider adoption of the UAE domestic scheme.

• Access to thousands of merchants across the UAE.
• Zero additional merchant fees for Jaywan online transactions.
• Seamless integration into gateways for existing e-commerce partners.

What Role Does Al Etihad Payments Play in This Rollout?

As a subsidiary of the Central Bank UAE, Al Etihad Payments is the architect behind the Jaywan initiative. The goal is to reduce transaction costs for businesses while enhancing sovereign payment infrastructure. By partnering with major acquirers like Network International, the scheme achieves global interoperability standards while maintaining a focus on local economic growth and financial inclusion for all UAE residents.

• Launched by Al Etihad Payments to drive innovation.
• Supports the UAE digital strategy for 2026 and beyond.
• Enhances operational efficiency via accelerated local clearing.

"Jaywan’s growth is driven by broad participation across the payments industry. Every issuer, acquirer, and payment service provider that enables the scheme expands where customers can use their cards, whether in-store, online or through mobile wallets. Network’s support for online acceptance is another important step in expanding the reach of Jaywan and making it available across more everyday payment journeys in the UAE." commented Andrea Cianchetti, Chief Products Officer at Al Etihad Payments.

How Does This Move Support the UAE’s Cashless Vision?

The expansion of Jaywan card acceptance to the web is a critical milestone in removing friction from the digital commerce journey. By providing a consistent payment experience across both physical and digital channels, Network International is helping to build the digital foundation required for a fully cashless society. This move empowers consumers with more secure payment options and helps small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) transition to digital-first business models.

FF NEWS TAKE:

This rollout of Jaywan card acceptance for online payments is a major win for UAE sovereignty in the payments space. By reducing reliance on international schemes for domestic transactions, Network International and Al Etihad Payments are effectively lowering merchant costs and keeping economic value within the country. It definitely moves the needle by proving that domestic schemes can compete with global giants in the high-growth e-commerce sector.