First Abu Dhabi Bank has launched the Emirati Jaywan Debit Card, the lender said in a statement distributed by the Emirates News Agency. The card is designed exclusively for UAE nationals and operates on the Jaywan national card scheme managed by Al Etihad Payments. It allows for domestic transactions at point-of-sale terminals, automated teller machines and online platforms across the country without incurring international processing fees, according to the bank.
Al Etihad Payments launched Jaywan in February 2025 as the UAE’s first domestic card scheme with the goal of localizing payment processing. Central Bank of the UAE figures indicate the initiative seeks to lower costs associated with card transactions and support the nation’s digital transformation agenda. All financial institutions in the country are required to offer Jaywan-branded cards as either mono-badge or co-badge variants under the mandate.
The First Abu Dhabi Bank statement highlighted that the new debit card comes with built-in rewards such as cashback on purchases and exclusive discounts for Emirati users at participating outlets. Customers will be able to activate the card instantly through the FAB Mobile application and link it to popular digital wallets for added convenience. Advanced security features including tokenization and real-time transaction alerts are also incorporated into the product.
A report from Fintech News UAE noted that Jaywan cards support debit, prepaid and credit variants for use in various payment scenarios including contactless and e-commerce. The scheme has seen multiple banks issue their first cards throughout 2025, with United Arab Bank announcing its version in October of that year. This progressive rollout reflects the regulator’s push for widespread adoption of the domestic network.
First Abu Dhabi Bank maintains a leading position in the UAE banking sector with a strong focus on retail and corporate services for national clients. The introduction of the Emirati Jaywan Debit Card aligns the institution with national objectives to bolster local payment ecosystems and reduce dependency on foreign card networks. Interested Emiratis can obtain the card via the bank’s digital platforms or in-person at designated branches.
According to industry analysis by Mordor Intelligence, the UAE digital payments sector is projected to register strong growth in the coming years following the introduction of such national initiatives. The Jaywan scheme infrastructure is fully integrated with existing payment rails to ensure interoperability and high security standards. The bank encouraged eligible customers to apply for the new card to take advantage of its tailored benefits.
