Cover Story

Building a Smarter Payment Ecosystem: Connecting Banks, Businesses, and Consumers in the UAE

Published

1 year ago

February 25, 2025

Established by the Central Bank of the UAE in 2023, Al Etihad Payments is at the helm of revolutionizing the nation’s payment landscape—scaling up operations, taking charge of UAESWITCH and UAEWPS, and shaping the future of digital transactions.

In this exclusive interview with the Senior editor of Financial Integrator, CEO Jan Pilbauer shares his insights into the roll out of Jaywan and the evolution of Aani, unveiling the journey of domestic payment schemes, the hurdles faced in bringing them to the forefront, and the game-changing impact on merchants, financial institutions, and consumers alike. As the UAE races toward a fully integrated digital economy, this conversation breaks down the components of progress, giving you an inside look at where the future of payments is headed.

How is Al Etihad Payments transforming the UAE’s payment infrastructure to align with the country’s digital economy vision?

We are an organization dedicated to making your money move—seamlessly and tirelessly, 24/7. You don’t have to think about it, and that’s the way it should be. As a national payments company, our role goes beyond just technology— we help define the rules that govern how different players in the ecosystem interact. Payments should be effortless; people should only need to think about how much they need to pay, not how the payment system itself works.

Historically, many nations didn’t focus on their national payment systems. However, in recent years, countries have recognized that having a frictionless, efficient payments infrastructure is crucial for economic competitiveness. That is why we have seen the rise of national payment companies like Al Etihad Payments. The UAE took this step in 2023, and since then, we have been transforming the payments landscape. While the existing infrastructure served its purpose, our mission is to prepare it for the digital future and align it with the UAE’s vision for a thriving digital economy. We are committed to developing even better solutions for individuals and businesses across the UAE.

Can you share your journey as the CEO of Al Etihad Payments?

Al Etihad Payments was established two years ago. And I moved to the UAE specifically for its purpose. The company’s mission is straightforward—we aim to build one of the world’s most advanced, modern, and inclusive payment ecosystems. National payment infrastructure is about more than just technology; it’s about ensuring that everyone in the economy has access to and benefits from seamless financial services. I firmly believe that if we do this right, we can truly change people’s lives. Before joining Al Etihad Payments, I worked in various global jurisdictions. I spent time in Africa, where financial inclusion is a game changer. When people gain access to financial services, they can build credit histories, access loans, and improve their lives in transformative ways. It was an honour to be part of that journey. Prior to that, I worked in Canada, gaining experience in the North American and European financial sectors.

The past two years at Al Etihad Payments have been an incredible journey, and I’m particularly proud of what we have built. What I am most proud of is the team. We started as a kind of startup—building everything from scratch. We had the opportunity to shape the company’s culture and bring together people who are driven by a shared purpose: making a real impact on the country and enabling those around us to succeed. That takes a special kind of dedication, and I feel fortunate to be part of it.

What is Aani, and how does it enhance the payment experience in the UAE?

Aani in Arabic means “instant!” True to its name, Aani is an instant payment solution that enables money to move between two stores of value within seconds. It is fast, seamless, and designed for convenience. Previously, transferring money meant sharing lengthy IBAN numbers—where even a single typo could force you to start over.

How has Aani evolved since its launch, and what impact has it had on digital payments and financial inclusion in the UAE?
Aani is about empowering people with more choices, so they can decide whether to use cash or a digital payment method based on what is most convenient for them. When it comes to adoption, we are just over a year since Aani’s launch, and the results have been promising. So far, around 1.5 million people have signed up. That means users can already send and receive money using just a mobile number, email address, or even their Emirates ID—a significant milestone for digital payments in the UAE.

On the merchant side, we now have nearly 100,000 businesses enabled to accept Aani. If you walk into a traditional retail store today and ask about Aani, there is a high chance that they either already accept it or will very soon. Merchants can receive payments simply by generating a QR code, making digital transactions as easy as cash payments. This progress has led to significant transaction growth, with 20% to 30% month-over-month increases. Some days, we process up to 400,000 transactions, which is a strong indicator that adoption is steadily rising.

That said, humans are creatures of habit. Interestingly, 98% still use traditional IBAN transfers, despite the availability of more convenient options. This is likely because people already have their beneficiaries saved in banking apps, so they continue using IBANs by default. However, we are seeing gradual growth in mobile-number-based payments, which suggests a shift in behaviour over time.

As for the role of financial institutions, one of the unique aspects of Aani is that it is not a separate app you have to search for—it is a payment option that integrates seamlessly into your existing banking experience. Most major financial institutions in the UAE (around 55 participants) already support Aani, meaning that when you open your regular banking app, Aani is right there as a built-in payment option. Of course, we do offer an official Aani app for those who prefer to use it separately.

What is the Aani app all about? When you already have access to Aani through banks, so why was it necessary to have an app?
That’s a great question, and many countries have implemented both models—either relying entirely on financial institutions to provide payment channels or developing their own independent platform. We decided to introduce our own Aani app for two main reasons.

First, while Aani is integrated into all major banking and financial institution channels, managing multiple accounts can be cumbersome. If you have multiple bank accounts, an exchange house account, or a digital wallet, you typically must log in separately to each one to access your funds. The Aani app eliminates this hassle by allowing you to connect all your stores of value in one place. For example, I personally have a bank account, a digital wallet, and a prepaid travel card all linked to my Aani app. This highlights Aani’s inclusivity—you can seamlessly transfer and transact between different financial accounts, whether moving money from a wallet to a bank account or vice versa.

The second reason is to provide access to Aani’s full range of features. The app enables users to split bills, scan QR codes to pay merchants, and access additional functionalities. One of Aani’s core principles is inclusivity, ensuring that even smaller financial institutions and non-traditional players can participate. Many of these institutions may not have their own apps and developing one would take significant time and investment. By offering the Aani app as a ready-made digital channel, we allow them to provide their customers with a seamless payment experience.

That said, Aani is not just about the app. Looking at the statistics today, only about 30% of Aani transactions are initiated through the app, while the remaining two-thirds come through traditional financial institution channels. This balance shows that while the app enhances accessibility, banks and other financial players remain key drivers in the Aani ecosystem.

What challenges did banks face when integrating Aani into their backend processes?

Well, safeguarding people’s money is a top priority for banks. When you entrust your hard-earned salary to a bank, you expect it to be protected. Unfortunately, financial fraud and scams are becoming increasingly common. One major challenge is the speed of transactions. When payments are processed instantly, banks and other financial institutions have significantly less time to assess whether a transaction is legitimate or potentially fraudulent. With Aani, institutions are required to decide on a payment within 10 seconds. Once a payment goes through, it’s irrevocable—the recipient can immediately access, withdraw, or use the funds.

This shift has required banks to overhaul their backend systems to ensure that security remains uncompromised while meeting the demands of real-time payments. They have had to implement advanced fraud detection measures, automate decisionmaking processes, and upgrade their infrastructure to handle instantaneous transactions—all while maintaining the trust and safety of their customers.

Why is the UAE launching its own domestic card scheme, and what advantages will Jaywan offer to residents and merchants?
Jaywan is the UAE’s domestic card scheme, joining a global trend where many countries establish their own payment networks. This will be initially launched with debit and prepaid cards. However, if there is sufficient demand, we will expand to include credit cards as well. There are typically two main reasons why a country introduces a domestic card scheme.

First, while international card schemes have done an excellent job in creating seamless global interoperability, they may not always be tailored to the specific needs of a particular jurisdiction. Jaywan is designed specifically for the UAE’s residents, offering localized benefits such as merchant discounts and exclusive access to certain services within the country.

Secondly, a domestic card scheme can be more efficient and cost-effective. Jaywan is expected to reduce transaction costs for merchants while ensuring high operational efficiency. Additionally, all transaction processing will take place within the UAE, leveraging the robust 24/7 payment infrastructure we have built. Currently, we process nearly two million card transactions daily, and Jaywan will benefit from this strong foundation, ensuring reliability and security for users across the country.

Cover Story

The Shift to Unified Content Workflows Is Redefining Enterprise Media!

Published

2 weeks ago

April 27, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Walk into any modern content setup today, whether it’s a podcast studio, a corporate webinar room, or a hybrid event environment, and you’ll see a familiar pattern, one that reflects how fragmented the content production stack has become.

A microphone connected to an interface.
An interface connected to a laptop.
A laptop running multiple layers of software to mix, switch, stream, and record.

It works, but it’s rarely seamless.

Because the biggest challenge in content creation today isn’t access to tools, it’s understanding how they all fit together.

The Real Problem: Too Many Tools, Too Little Clarity

The rise of podcasting and video content has created a new kind of friction. Users are no longer asking what they can create; they are asking how to make the tools work together.

Recording audio separately, syncing video later, transferring large files to high-end machines, and relying on multiple software layers have become the default workflow. It works, but it is inefficient, expensive, and prone to failure.

The expanding ecosystem of devices, features, and formats has made even basic setup decisions unnecessarily complex.

When it comes to products from RØDE, users & creators already recognize the product’s potential to simply clarify and help elevate the overall workflow experience.

From Tools to Unified Systems

This is where the shift begins to stand out.

What we are seeing is not simply the addition of new features, but the consolidation of functions.

Mixer. Recorder. Audio interface. Video switcher. Stream encoder.

What traditionally required a stack of hardware and software is now being brought into a single console environment.

For creators, that simplifies production.

For enterprises, it changes how content infrastructure is designed.

As this shift gains momentum, it is also being acknowledged at a leadership level.

“Real innovation isn’t about adding more; it’s about removing friction and enhancing workflows.

With the introduction of platforms like the RØDECaster Video, we’re starting to see audio and video unified in one system, unlocking faster, more focused creative output.”
Kalinda Atkinson,
Global Marketing Director, RØDE

Why This Matters Beyond Creators

This shift is not limited to podcasters or streamers. Enterprises are increasingly building in-house content studios, executive communication channels, internal video platforms, and hybrid event capabilities as part of their broader communication strategy.

In these environments, complexity quickly becomes a bottleneck. Multiple tools often translate into longer setup times, increased points of failure, and a growing dependency on technical operators to manage what should ideally be straightforward workflows.

A unified system begins to reduce that friction, allowing teams to focus less on managing the process and more on the output itself.

The End of the Laptop-Centric Setup

One of the most significant changes is subtle: the laptop is no longer central.

With recording, streaming, and switching built directly into the console, content can now be produced without relying on external software or intermediary platforms. Audio and video routing happens natively within the system, removing the need to manage multiple layers of tools.

This, in turn, reduces reliance on tools like OBS Studio and lowers the need for high-performance machines in the production chain.

Broadcast Capabilities, Simplified

Features that were once limited to broadcast environments are now being integrated directly into compact systems. Capabilities such as multi-camera switching, ISO recording with separate tracks for each input, audio-based automatic switching between speakers, and network-driven video workflows like NDI are no longer confined to high-end production setups.

For enterprise teams, this translates into professional-grade production without the need for dedicated control rooms or complex broadcast infrastructure.

Modularity Signals Long-Term Thinking

Another important shift lies in how these systems evolve over time.

With expansion options such as adding video capabilities to existing audio consoles, RØDE is enabling a more modular approach to production. Instead of replacing entire systems, users can extend them based on their needs.

This becomes particularly relevant for organizations that may begin with audio-first content using consoles such as the RØDECaster Duo or RØDECaster Pro II, gradually expanding into video production with consoles such as RØDECaster Video, RØDECaster Video S, or even the RØDECaster Core, and scaling internal media capabilities over time. The result is a more flexible investment model that reduces upfront costs while supporting long-term growth.

A Shift in the Competitive Landscape

On the surface, this still appears to sit within the audio hardware category. In practice, however, it competes with something far broader.

As these systems begin to handle capture, processing, and output within a single environment, they start to overlap with production software ecosystems, video switching platforms, and content workflow tools.

The implication is clear: when orchestration happens within the system itself, the need for external layers begins to diminish.

The Opportunity Ahead

As the layers of complexity fade, creators will have more time for creative storytelling and less time worrying about the setup.

The new products and technology from RØDE not only remove setup barriers, but they also enable creators & enterprises to operate at a full professional standard, accelerating both the creativity and innovation ecosystems.

Srijith KN covers enterprise technology, media infrastructure, and digital transformation across the Middle East.

Cover Story

Cloud waste isn’t about Visibility it’s about Timing, says Atmoz CEO

Published

2 weeks ago

April 23, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

“Cloud waste isn’t created by bad engineers. It’s created by systems that show problems too late. Once I saw that, it became clear, the solution wasn’t better reporting. It was prevention.” – Atmoz CEO Yael Shatzky

Yael Shatzky didn’t set out to build a company around cloud costs. What she noticed, after more than 25 years across enterprise technology, product marketing, and growth at organisations including Amdocs and Microsoft’s R&D ecosystem, was a pattern.

Not just rising cloud spend, but a deeper structural disconnect in how it’s managed.

If you were introducing yourself and Atmoz to someone outside tech, where would you begin?

I’d say I’m building a company that changes how people think about waste—specifically cloud and AI waste.

Imagine a house where electricity prices constantly change depending on what you use and when, but no one knows the cost. Lights stay on, AC runs all day, and while you know you’re wasting about 30%, you have no way to prevent it. The only signal you get is last month’s bill.

That’s how companies operate in the cloud today.

Atmoz changes that by bringing cost awareness into the moment decisions are made, helping teams make smarter choices without disrupting how they work. The result is simple: waste is prevented before it happens.

What is the core problem Atmoz is solving—and where has the market gone wrong?

The market has focused on visibility, dashboards and reports that explain what already happened.

But the problem isn’t visibility.
It’s timing.

By the time companies see the data, the money is already spent and systems are already in production. Even with perfect visibility, nothing changes.

Atmoz works at the moment engineers are building, engaging them with immediate, simple recommendations that don’t slow them down. That’s where prevention becomes possible.

What does ‘AI-first’ product development look like at Atmoz?

We built a data foundation that reconstructs cost signals as resources are created, before billing data exists. That’s the hard part.

On top of that, we use AI where it matters most: interaction and execution. Our AI agent takes accurate, contextual data and delivers actionable recommendations directly within developer workflows.

Because the system is grounded in precise data, the guidance isn’t just intelligent, it’s reliable and immediately usable.

What are the biggest challenges in getting engineers to trust AI-driven recommendations?

Interestingly, it’s not trust in AI, it’s the belief that prevention is even possible.

For years, companies have been told they can reduce costs, yet around 30% of cloud spend is still wasted. That’s because most tools analyse waste after it happens, they don’t stop it.

Once engineers see an issue flagged in real time, with clear context and a simple fix, the skepticism disappears. It becomes tangible.

What is one leadership mistake that fundamentally changed how you operate?

Focusing too much on the product, and not enough on marketing early on.

Great products don’t speak for themselves, especially when you’re creating a new category. Marketing isn’t something you layer on later; it shapes how the product is understood and adopted. Starting early makes a significant difference.

Where do you see the biggest inefficiencies today?

The biggest inefficiency is the disconnect between engineering decisions and their financial impact.

Every time a developer deploys infrastructure or triggers an AI workload, they’re making a financial decision, without visibility into its cost implications.

AI is amplifying this. Costs are more volatile, and traditional feedback loops can’t keep up.

Atmoz brings cost awareness into that decision point, making efficiency part of the engineering discipline, much like security became over time.

At this stage, how do you define success?

Success isn’t a single milestone, it’s a series of moments.

Signing a new customer. Launching a capability that impacts spend. Getting a call from a customer excited because they just saved $30K on something they didn’t even know was happening.

Those moments are what drive us forward.

You’re defining a new category. What does it take to change long-held assumptions?

It starts with conviction. You’re asking people to question something they’ve accepted as normal.

But conviction alone isn’t enough, proof is everything. Category change happens when someone sees it working in their own environment and has that “aha” moment.

That’s why we focus on immediate, tangible value. When waste is prevented in real time, the mindset shift follows naturally.

Resilience also matters. When you challenge established models, you will be dismissed. The key is to stay grounded in the problem and keep showing evidence.

Has the industry been solving cloud waste the wrong way? Why hasn’t it changed?

I wouldn’t say wrong, FinOps tools solved the problem they were designed for. They brought visibility and governance, which was critical.

But they were built on the assumption that cost is something you analyse after it happens.

Today, cost is created instantly, when infrastructure is provisioned or AI workloads run. But feedback still comes later. That gap is the issue.

What’s changed is the pace of engineering. With AI, decisions are faster and costs are more dynamic. What used to be inefficient is now unsustainable.

That’s why prevention isn’t just an improvement, it’s becoming essential.

How will engineering teams work differently in five years?

Cost will no longer be treated as something external, owned by finance. It will become part of the engineering feedback loop, like performance or reliability.

Atmoz brings that awareness into everyday workflows, guiding better decisions without adding friction.

Over time, this shifts behaviour. Waste isn’t something you detect and fix later, it simply doesn’t get created.

The result is not just lower cost, but faster teams, better decisions, and more room to innovate.

Cover Story

Huawei MatePad Mini: A Tablet That Feels Like a Real Notebook

Published

2 weeks ago

April 21, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Huawei’s compact tablet feels less like a gadget and more like a thoughtfully designed digital notebook, blending portability with everyday productivity.

I have been using Huawei’s MatePad 11.5 S for a while now for writing, editing, and most of my day-to-day journalistic work. It has turned out to be a surprisingly capable productivity device. So, when the MatePad Mini arrived, I was curious to see how Huawei would translate that experience into a much smaller form factor.

Reviewed By: Srijith KN, Senior Editor, Integrator

Design and Accessories

The first thing that stood out during the unboxing was not just the device, its accessories! Huawei has clearly put thought into the overall experience. The tablet ships with well-designed cases, including a transparent option and a diary-style booklet cover.

The diary cover, in particular, immediately felt right to me. It makes the tablet feel less like a gadget and more like a compact notebook you would carry every day. There is a certain familiarity to it, almost like picking up a journal rather than a device.

Huawei also continues to include a charger in the box, and this one comes with a 66W unit, a thoughtful touch at a time when many brands have moved away from bundling one altogether.

Everyday Portability

The 8.8 inch tablet immediately feels comfortable in the hand. It is extremely light and compact, measuring just 5.1 mm thick and weighing around 255 grams. That portability is noticeable right away.

In many ways, it feels closer to carrying a paperback than a traditional tablet. I currently use the Nothing Phone 3 as my daily device, and at times even that feels heavier than this. The MatePad Mini, on the other hand, almost disappears in your hands.

Huawei is also using a magnesium alloy body here, which keeps the device light without compromising on rigidity. Given how thin it is, that added structural strength feels reassuring.

A Paper Like Experience That Works

Last night, I found myself reading long articles on it for hours without feeling any strain. That is where the device really begins to make sense.

It genuinely feels like a digital paper booklet, built for reading, note-taking, writing, or quickly catching up on work while on the move. The green variant, in particular, features Huawei’s PaperMatte display, and it is easily one of the most distinctive aspects of this device.

Huawei claims the display reduces up to 99 percent of ambient light interference, and in real-world use, that translates into a noticeably glare-free experience. Even under indoor lighting, reflections are minimal, and the screen remains comfortable to look at for extended periods.

At the same time, it does not compromise on performance. With up to 1800 nits of brightness, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a wide color gamut, the display manages to balance readability with visual richness, something that is not easy to get right in smaller devices.

There is also an eBook mode that shifts the display into a black and white, paper like view, along with other settings designed to reduce eye strain during longer reading sessions. Additional options like eye comfort and sleep mode further support extended use.

Writing and Creativity

I also spent some time using the M Pencil for quick notes, and the experience feels surprisingly close to paper. Coming from the MatePad 11.5 S, Huawei continues to deliver one of the better stylus experiences in this space.

The M Pencil Pro adds more depth to the experience than expected. With different tip options and subtle haptic feedback, writing feels more tactile and intentional, rather than just tapping on glass.

Paired with the updated Huawei Notes app, the experience becomes more refined. Features like handwriting enhancement subtly improve legibility without taking away the personal feel of your writing, making it especially useful for quick notes and longer-form thinking.

Hardware and Performance

The MatePad Mini packs a 6400 mAh battery with support for fast charging, capable of going from zero to full in about an hour. On paper, it looks promising, though I will reserve judgment until I have spent more time with it.

On the hardware side, it includes a 50MP rear camera and a 32MP front camera, along with stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 7, USB-C 3.0, and a fingerprint sensor, something I wish Huawei had included on the MatePad 11.5 S as well.

Editor’s Perspective

Whenever I am seen using a Huawei device, the first question that comes up from people around me is usually about the ecosystem, particularly about Google services.

I too had similar concerns earlier, but having used Huawei devices for a while now, the experience has been smoother than expected. HarmonyOS feels clean and fluid, and tools like GBox make it possible to access most essential apps. Even for someone deeply tied to Google services, it has been more manageable than I initially thought.

What becomes clearer over time is that this is not just a smaller tablet. It sits somewhere between an eBook reader and a productivity device, built for focused, everyday use.

The MatePad Mini does not feel like Huawei shrinking a tablet. It feels like a refinement of how a compact device should actually be used. Its notebook-like form, paper-inspired display, and practical accessories make it easy to carry, pick up, and use throughout the day.

It is still early days, but the first impressions are strong. In a crowded tablet market, this feels like one of the more purposeful and interesting form-factor than the other compacts that we have seen in a while.