The UAE’s national instant payments platform, Aani, has surpassed 12.5 million users, reflecting the country’s accelerating transition toward a fully digital and cashless financial ecosystem. Operated by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, the platform has emerged as a cornerstone of the nation’s financial infrastructure transformation.
According to official data, Aani recorded a sixfold year-on-year increase in transaction volumes, alongside an average monthly growth rate of 10 percent throughout 2025. The surge highlights rising consumer trust and widespread adoption of secure, real-time payment solutions across the country.
The platform is now integrated with 74 licensed financial institutions, including the majority of UAE banks, as well as exchange houses, digital wallets, and finance companies. This extensive network ensures smooth and instant transactions across the financial ecosystem.
Speaking on the milestone, Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor at the Central Bank and Chairman of Al Etihad Payments, noted that the platform’s growth reflects increasing confidence in the reliability and efficiency of the UAE’s payment systems. He added that ongoing efforts aim to further enhance services and support the country’s digital economy ambitions.
Looking ahead, new features are set to be introduced, including cross-border payment capabilities, electronic direct debit systems, e-cheques, and business-to-business transaction solutions.
Aani has already become part of daily financial activity in the UAE, with approximately 25,000 peer-to-peer transactions conducted each day using mobile numbers. Payments are completed in an average time of just three seconds, positioning the platform among the fastest in the region.
The system is also gaining significant traction among businesses, with nearly 774,000 merchants expected to accept Aani payments nationwide. By enabling instant account-to-account transfers, the platform helps companies improve cash flow and streamline operations.
Currently, Aani offers a range of services such as QR code payments, request-to-pay features, and transfers using mobile numbers, Emirates ID, or email addresses. Users can also manage multiple bank accounts and digital wallets through a unified interface, further simplifying financial management.
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