Payment innovation is not just a convenience, it’s a necessity in a rapidly advancing digital economy. Leading this transformation in the UAE is Aani Al Etihad Payments, a groundbreaking initiative by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE. Since its launch in October 2023, Aani has introduced a seamless, secure, and instant way for residents and businesses to transfer money, it is setting a new natioinal benchmark for financial efficiency and user-centric design.

Unlike traditional banking processes that often involve lengthy steps, IBANs, and beneficiary approvals, Aani enables real-time transfers using just a mobile number, email address, or QR code. In less than 10 seconds, the transaction is complete - with both sender and recipient receiving immediate confirmation. This speed and simplicity are redefining the nation’s expectations around everyday payments.

The rise of Aani coincides with the UAE’s emergence as a regional fintech powerhouse, with the country actively embracing innovation across its financial ecosystem. Aani is not just keeping pace - it is setting the tone. Its platform is built on a foundation of seamless design, strong security, and practical features tailored to the needs of individuals and businesses alike. Whether it’s splitting a bill with friends, sending money to family, or paying a contractor, Aani ensures the experience is frictionless.

What makes Aani truly distinctive is its expanding ecosystem. In less than a year, it has integrated with 57 licensed financial institutions, including the UAE’s largest banks and exchange houses.

Many of these LFIs have already embedded Aani into their mobile applications, allowing users to activate and transact directly within familiar banking environments. This ease of access has played a key role in its rapid adoption.

According to Al Etihad Payments, Aani is now handling over 500,000 transactions daily, with an impressive 27 per cent month-on-month growth in transaction volume. These figures point to the growing appetite for instant, secure, and user-friendly payment solutions - and to Aani’s ability to deliver on that demand with consistency and scale.

Security remains central to Aani’s promise. The platform operates within a robust regulatory framework, aligning with the Central Bank’s standards while investing continuously in cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience. This ensures each transaction is not only swift but fully protected, building user trust across every interaction.

Aani is also designed to fit into the rhythm of daily life. Its “Request Money” feature, for instance, allows users to conveniently ask for payments - ideal for casual personal reimbursements or small business dealings. The platform’s intuitive interface, coupled with real-time data access and confirmations, makes it a valuable tool for users of all tech skill levels.

What’s more, Aani isn’t just a product, it’s a platform that is constantly evolving. As digital finance continues to grow, Aani is expanding its reach through strategic partnerships with fintech innovators and financial institutions, ensuring its offerings remain relevant, adaptive, and future-ready.

Looking forward, Aani’s roadmap includes continued investment in R&D, enhancements in user experience, and deeper integration with emerging technologies such as open banking and AI-powered financial tools. With its strong foundation and forward-thinking approach, Aani is poised to lead not only in the UAE but to influence digital payment models across the region.

In a country already embracing the promise of a fully digital economy, Aani stands as a benchmark for what modern payments should be - fast, reliable, inclusive, and built around the user. It is more than a payment platform; it is a pulse of the UAE’s smarter, more connected financial future.