Software, telecommunications and digital infrastructure
Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and Skyports Infrastructure have signed a binding Definitive Agreement to build and operate a four-vertiport Advanced Air Mobility network. The first phase will connect Al Marjan Island and Jebel Jais, targeting commercial launch in the third quarter of 2027. Future expansion plans include two additional vertiports and an inter-emirate connection to Dubai.
Mastercard Chief Financial Officer Ling Hai stated that the company expects to process nearly 100% of UAE debit transactions once its partnership with Al Etihad Payments is fully implemented. The project positions Mastercard as the underlying switching and processing technology provider for the UAE's national card switch and domestic Jaywan scheme. Concurrently, China's UnionPay International is expanding its own partnership with Al Etihad Payments to accept Jaywan cards across its network.
Mastercard Chief Financial Officer Ling Hai stated that the company expects to process nearly 100% of debit transactions in the UAE once its rollout with Al Etihad Payments is complete. Speaking at a Goldman Sachs event, Hai pointed to the UAE partnership as a strategic model for navigating national sovereignty payment initiatives, alongside references to operations in China. The UAE's domestic payments entity is also expanding cross-border acceptance and co-branded card ties with China's UnionPay International.
Citi has expanded Citi Token Services into Japan and the United Arab Emirates, bringing its blockchain-based liquidity platform to seven global markets. The service enables corporate and institutional clients to transfer funds 24/7 without traditional cut-off times or holiday calendars. Under the expansion, the UAE supports both US dollar and euro transactions, while Japan supports US dollars.
Policy updates, China–UAE business news and industry insights, delivered to your inbox.
Membership
Tell us about your experience and connection to UAE–China business. UECN assesses your application and offers the right membership category — fees are shared privately with your offer.
We send you a one-time sign-in link — your answers are saved as you go.
