The Dubai Finance Department and Dubai Digital have announced the activation of the national payment network “JIOON” on the DubaiPay platform. This initiative enhances the digital payment framework within the emirate and expands the payment options available to users, in alignment with Dubai’s strategy for a cashless economy. The integration of JIOON enables a seamless and secure payment experience, providing governmental services with an advanced digital framework.
Enhanced Payment Options
With the successful completion of operational testing, Dubai Digital has ensured that the DubaiPay system is fully prepared to handle JIOON card transactions effectively and reliably. The first transaction facilitated through this integration was a donation to the Dubai Cares initiative, marking a significant step forward in utilising this payment system within government channels.
National Payment Network
JIOON serves as the UAE’s national card payment system, managed by the UnionPay company, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE. It has been developed to provide a secure and efficient national payment infrastructure that meets the needs of individuals, merchants, and financial institutions, while also supporting the proliferation of electronic payment localisation.
Strategic Developments
Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai Finance, expressed that the activation of “JIOON” on DubaiPay signifies a critical advancement in the emirate’s digital payment landscape. He noted the department’s commitment to supporting national solutions and their integration into government services, reinforcing Dubai’s ambitions towards a sophisticated digital economy. “The cashless transformation goes beyond merely switching payment methods; it embodies a comprehensive shift in consumer experiences and financial operational efficiency,” he stated.
Digital Integration
Hamid Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Dubai Digital, remarked that incorporating JIOON into the DubaiPay system marks a strategic move in developing a unified digital infrastructure. The true value of this integration lies not only in providing a new payment option but also in enabling national initiatives to seamlessly merge into Dubai’s digital framework. This not only enhances user experiences but also solidifies confidence in digital transactions.
Future-Ready Infrastructure
Matar Al Hamiri, CEO of Dubai Digital Government, commented on the activation of JIOON as a qualitative leap in the digital payments ecosystem, reinforcing the readiness of Dubai’s digital infrastructure. “Digital payment is a cornerstone of Dubai’s digital lifestyle, and we are committed to developing an interconnected digital system that empowers government entities to provide smarter and more agile services,” he noted.
Complementing Financial Systems
Ahmed Ali Muftah, Executive Director of Central Account Sector in Dubai Finance, indicated that the addition of JIOON to the DubaiPay system enhances the integration between Dubai’s digital financial framework and the national payment network, providing an additional payment channel that improves the efficiency of revenue collection. He emphasised that this initial transaction through the network represents a practical step towards expanding the use of JIOON in public services going forward.
Collaborative Efforts
Amena Mohammed Lutah, Director of Digital Payment Systems Regulation at Dubai Finance, affirmed that activating JIOON on DubaiPay results from collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders and represents a significant enhancement of digital payment options on the platform. “Expanding available payment choices empowers users to select suitable methods and supports the broader adoption of digital payments in government services,” she asserted.
This activation of JIOON on the DubaiPay platform underscores the joint efforts of Dubai Finance and Dubai Digital, along with other stakeholders, in strengthening the national digital payment infrastructure and broadening the scope of national solutions within government services. The strategy for a cashless Dubai aims to significantly increase the percentage of cashless transactions in both the public and private sectors to 90% by the end of the year, enhancing Dubai’s standing as a global leader in the digital economy and future payments.