(Credit - WAM)
UAE Gets World's First Jaywan-Mastercard Credit Card
In Abu Dhabi, a significant development is taking place in the payments environment with the launch of the world’s first Jaywan-Mastercard co-badged credit card by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), in partnership with Mastercard. This innovative collaboration aims to expand the global acceptance of Jaywan cards and establish a new Mastercard operations centre in the UAE, which will form part of Mastercard’s global network and provide advanced payment services to local and regional markets.
The introduction of the Jaywan-Mastercard co-badged credit card is expected to have a profound impact on the UAE’s financial ecosystem, enabling the issuance of credit cards with global acceptance while strengthening the country’s position as an international financial hub. Under the partnership, a new Mastercard network node will be established in the UAE to process both domestic and international payment flows, positioning the UAE among the first countries to benefit from Mastercard’s latest payment technologies and services.
The development of advanced infrastructure for the switching and processing of card payment transactions will also be a key aspect of the partnership, supporting Jaywan debit, prepaid, and credit co-badged cards. This will include advanced switching and processing capabilities, value-added services, cybersecurity solutions, fraud prevention tools, and threat intelligence systems, ultimately providing secure, simple, and accessible payment experiences for consumers and businesses.
The collaboration between Al Etihad Payments and Mastercard is a significant milestone in the UAE’s payments environment, marking a new era in the country’s financial ecosystem. As Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the Central Bank of the UAE and Chairman of Al Etihad Payments, noted, “This collaboration represents a defining moment for the UAE’s payments ecosystem. By combining national infrastructure with global innovation, we are strengthening sovereignty, resilience, and choice, while accelerating the UAE’s journey toward a future-ready financial system.”
Dr Dimitrios Dosis, President, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA) at Mastercard, also emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “As Mastercard celebrates forty years in the UAE, this latest milestone with Al Etihad Payments reflects how together we can strengthen the foundation for continued growth in trade, tourism, and commerce. We are bringing together trusted technology, global scale, and deep local relationships to strengthen domestic resiliency while remaining deeply connected to the global economy.”
The introduction of the Jaywan-Mastercard co-badged credit card reflects the UAE’s commitment to innovation and its determination to establish itself as a leading financial hub. As the country continues to evolve and grow, the partnership between Al Etihad Payments and Mastercard is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of the UAE’s payments environment.
The UAE’s strategic location and business-friendly environment make it an ideal location for companies like Mastercard to establish operations and expand their reach in the region. The establishment of a new Mastercard operations centre in the UAE will not only provide advanced payment services to local and regional markets but also create new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.
In conclusion, the launch of the Jaywan-Mastercard co-badged credit card is a significant development in the UAE’s payments environment, marking a new era in the country’s financial ecosystem. The partnership between Al Etihad Payments and Mastercard reflects the UAE’s commitment to innovation and its determination to establish itself as a leading financial hub.
Sharjah CCTV: Safer Streets
Sharjah's CCTV Network Boosts Public Safety
In Sharjah, a city with a strong commitment to public safety, the presence of 172,544 CCTV cameras has significantly enhanced the sense of security among its residents. According to Sharjah Police, this extensive network of high-tech surveillance cameras has led to 99.7% of residents feeling safer. The cameras, installed across busy roads, residential neighborhoods, commercial hubs, and industrial areas, play a crucial role in preventing crime, monitoring traffic, solving cases, and resolving disputes.
The impact of this surveillance system on the community is substantial. With the ability to monitor and respond to incidents in real-time, Sharjah Police can react faster to emergencies, reducing the risk of harm to residents. The cameras also serve as a deterrent to potential criminals, knowing that their actions are being watched and recorded. This has resulted in a significant decrease in crime rates, making Sharjah a safer place to live and work.
The shift in public perception is also notable. Residents who once felt uneasy walking alone at night or leaving their homes unattended now feel more confident, thanks to the watchful eyes of the CCTV cameras. Businesses, too, have benefited from the increased sense of security, with many reporting a decrease in theft and vandalism. The cameras have become an integral part of Sharjah's public safety infrastructure, and their presence is a reassuring reminder that the city is committed to protecting its citizens.
In the bigger picture, Sharjah's investment in its CCTV network is part of a broader strategy to strengthen public safety and security. By leveraging technology to enhance its policing capabilities, Sharjah is setting a high standard for other cities to follow. The success of this initiative reflects the city's commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for its residents, and it serves as a model for other urban centers looking to improve their own public safety measures.
Dubai Invite Rewards Residents
Dubai Rolls Out 'A Dubai Invite' Initiative
In Dubai, a new initiative called "A Dubai Invite" has been launched, aiming to encourage residents to become ambassadors of the city. This program, developed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), provides residents with a simple and rewarding way to welcome their loved ones to Dubai and create memorable experiences together. The initiative is running until October 31, 2026, and offers a selection of benefits from participating hotels, attractions, restaurants, and lifestyle destinations across the city.
For residents to access these benefits, they must register their guests through the official program platform by September 30, 2026. Visitor arrivals will then be confirmed through a unified verification process supported by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA - Dubai). Once verified, residents can unlock up to three verified benefits across the period, receiving one benefit per guest party. These benefits can include discounts and privileges at various attractions and establishments, making the experience of hosting loved ones in Dubai even more enjoyable and rewarding.
The "A Dubai Invite" initiative is part of Dubai's efforts to boost tourism and align with the UAE's Year of Family by leveraging personal connections for travel decisions. By encouraging residents to invite their family and friends to experience the city, Dubai aims to showcase its hospitality and the wide range of experiences it offers to visitors. This initiative not only benefits the residents who participate but also contributes to the city's vibrant tourism scene, highlighting Dubai as a destination that values community and personal connections.
The program's focus on community and the rewards it offers to residents who invite their loved ones to Dubai highlight the city's commitment to making every visitor's experience memorable. With its diverse range of attractions, restaurants, and lifestyle destinations, Dubai is poised to welcome even more visitors, thanks to the enthusiasm and ambassadorship of its residents. As the "A Dubai Invite" initiative continues until the end of October, residents have a unique opportunity to share their love for Dubai with their family and friends, creating lasting memories and contributing to the city's thriving tourism industry.
Sharjah Police Expands Fleet
Sharjah Police Boosts Emergency Response
In Sharjah, a significant development is underway to enhance public safety and emergency response times. The Sharjah Police has expanded its operational fleet with 130 new security vehicles. This move aims to modernize policing, increase field readiness, and strengthen community presence across the emirate.
The addition of these new security vehicles is expected to have a direct impact on the community, particularly in terms of response times during emergencies. With a more modern and efficient fleet, the Sharjah Police will be better equipped to handle emergency situations, providing a safer environment for residents.
The expansion of the fleet is part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety and improve emergency response times. The new security vehicles will enable the police to respond more quickly and effectively to emergencies, which will in turn contribute to a safer and more secure community. This development is a significant step forward in the emirate's efforts to modernize its policing system and provide more efficient police services.
The Sharjah Police's investment in new security vehicles demonstrates its commitment to prioritizing public safety and emergency response. As the police force continues to modernize and expand its capabilities, residents can expect to see improvements in emergency response times and overall safety.
This development is in line with the emirate's goals to provide a safe and secure environment for its residents, and the expansion of the police fleet is a significant step towards achieving this objective.
Dubai Visit Visa in 48 Hours: Eligibility, Fees, and Express Application Guide
Fast-Track Dubai Visit Visas Now Available
In Dubai, residents can now obtain visit visas for their family and friends in as little as 48 hours, thanks to the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs\' (GDRFA Dubai) streamlined service. This initiative is part of the \"Your Way to Dubai\" campaign, which aims to facilitate travel for family members and friends. The visa is available for stays of 30, 60, or 90 days, with the option to extend the visit to up to 120 days, subject to the applicable regulations.
To apply, applicants are required to submit a passport valid for at least six months, a recent personal photograph, documents proving the family relationship or the purpose of the visit, and any additional paperwork requested depending on the individual case. Applications can be submitted through the GDRFA Dubai website, the DubaiNow app, or Amer customer happiness centers. This development is expected to make traveling to the emirate easier for relatives and friends of residents, promoting streamlined visitor services.
The GDRFA Dubai\'s move to offer fast-track visit visas is a significant step in enhancing the overall experience for visitors to Dubai. By providing flexible options for stay durations and a quick processing time, the emirate is likely to attract more tourists and reinforce its position as a popular destination. As part of the \"Your Way to Dubai\" campaign, this initiative aligns with the emirate\'s goals of facilitating travel and promoting tourism.
From 30 to 180 Days: How Long Can You Stay After UAE Visa Cancellation?
Understanding UAE Residence Visa Grace Periods
If you\'re a UAE resident, it\'s crucial to understand the rules surrounding residence visa grace periods to avoid overstay fines. The UAE has varying residence visa grace periods, ranging from 30 days to six months, depending on the visa category.
To check your exact grace period and departure deadline, you can use the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) smart services portal. This online platform allows residents to easily access their visa information and plan their next steps accordingly.
UAE residents, including Golden Visa holders, Green Visa holders, skilled professionals, students, and widows or divorcees, can all benefit from understanding the rules and checking their visa status online. By doing so, they can ensure they are aware of their legal stay duration after visa expiry or cancellation and take necessary actions to avoid overstay fines.
The ICP smart services portal is a convenient and efficient way to check your visa status and grace period. By using this online platform, residents can save time and avoid potential penalties associated with overstaying their visa. It\'s essential for all UAE residents to familiarize themselves with the ICP smart services portal and use it to stay up-to-date on their visa status.
In the UAE, the grace period for residence visas varies depending on the specific visa category. For example, some visas may have a 30-day grace period, while others may have a six-month grace period. It\'s essential to check your specific visa category to determine your exact grace period.
To avoid overstay fines, it\'s crucial to check your visa status and grace period regularly. The ICP smart services portal provides a convenient and efficient way to do so. By staying informed and taking necessary actions, UAE residents can ensure they are in compliance with the country\'s visa regulations and avoid potential penalties.
Here are the steps to check your UAE residence visa grace period online:
- Visit the ICP smart services portal website.
- Log in to your account or create a new one if you don\'t have an existing account.
- Click on the \"Visa Status\" or \"Residence Visa\" tab.
- Enter your visa number or other required information.
- Check your visa status and grace period.
