Al Etihad Payments has launched an instant payments platform- Aani allowing users to transfer money instantly

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates subsidiary Al Etihad Payments has announced the opening of the instant payments platform Aani. With the use of Aani's feature set, customers may send money right away to anyone in the world by just providing their phone number. "Split Bills" and "Request Money" are two more features. In the beginning it would accept payments up to Dh50,000.

Moreover, Aani supports QR codes, making it easier for customers to make cashless purchases at retailers. Later on, other features like e-checks and real-time direct debit will be added. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Al Fardan Exchange, Emirates NBD, Finance House, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Habib Bank AG Zurich, Mashreq Bank, and National Bank of Fujairah are the eight licenced financial institutions taking part in the launch. It's conceivable that more accredited schools will join.

Aani can be accessed via the Al Etihad Payments Aani mobile app or the current channels of the partner LFIs. Aani's debut coincides with the introduction of the UAE's first Domestic Card Scheme (DCS), which lowers payment costs, boosts the country's competitiveness, and advances the country's digitalization strategy. Customers can only send and receive money in dirhams between accounts maintained at authorised financial institutions or authorised payment service providers in the UAE at this time. Aani payments are now restricted to domestic transfers.