UAE’s Aani Hits 12.5M Users as Instant Payments Surge: CBUAE

The UAE’s national instant payments platform Aani has crossed 12.5 million users, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital payments push, according to Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE. The platform has also seen transaction volumes rise sixfold year-on-year, reflecting rapid adoption across consumers and businesses.

Aani’s user base has expanded significantly as digital payments gain traction in the UAE, supported by strong integration across the financial system. The platform is now connected to 74 licensed financial institutions, covering 85 per cent of banks, 10 per cent of exchange houses, and 5 per cent of digital wallets and finance companies.

This wide network integration has enabled Aani to scale quickly, positioning it as a central component of the UAE’s real-time payments infrastructure. The platform recorded an average monthly growth rate of 10 per cent throughout 2025, underlining sustained user engagement.

Daily usage has also increased, with approximately 25,000 transfers conducted each day using mobile numbers alone, highlighting the shift toward simplified, mobile-first payment methods.

Transaction Growth and Usage Trends

The volume of transactions on Aani has surged sharply, rising six times compared to the previous year. This growth reflects increasing consumer confidence in instant payment systems and a broader transition away from traditional payment channels.

Transactions on the platform are completed in an average of three seconds, offering near-instant settlement. This speed has improved efficiency for both individuals and businesses, particularly in time-sensitive financial transactions.

The platform’s functionality includes QR code payments, request-to-pay services, and transfers using mobile numbers or Emirates ID, alongside the ability to manage multiple bank accounts within a single interface.

Merchant Adoption and Business Impact

Aani has gained strong traction among businesses, with approximately 774,000 merchants across the UAE adopting the platform as a primary payment solution. The rapid onboarding of merchants indicates growing reliance on real-time payments to streamline operations and improve cash flow.

Faster settlement times allow businesses to access funds almost immediately, reducing liquidity constraints and enhancing financial planning. The integration of instant payments into daily operations also supports improved customer experience through seamless transactions.

The platform’s adoption among merchants reflects broader digitalisation trends in the UAE’s retail and services sectors, where cashless transactions are becoming increasingly dominant.

Al Etihad Payments is continuing to expand Aani’s capabilities, with several additional features in development. Planned enhancements include cross-border payments, electronic direct debit services, e-cheques, and business-to-business payment solutions.

These additions are expected to broaden the platform’s use cases, particularly for enterprises and international transactions, further strengthening its role within the UAE’s financial ecosystem.

The expansion strategy aligns with the country’s broader fintech roadmap, which aims to promote innovation and improve accessibility across financial services.

Policy Context and Digital Economy Push

The rapid growth of Aani reflects the UAE’s strategic focus on building a robust digital payments infrastructure under the oversight of the Central Bank. Authorities have prioritised the development of secure, efficient, and inclusive payment systems to support economic diversification.

Officials said the platform’s growth demonstrates rising trust in the national payments ecosystem, driven by its reliability and speed. The Central Bank has emphasised its commitment to enabling seamless financial services that support both individuals and businesses.

The increasing adoption of instant payments also contributes to the broader digital economy agenda, enhancing financial inclusion and reducing reliance on cash-based transactions.

With continued expansion and feature development, Aani is expected to play a key role in shaping the UAE’s evolving payments landscape, as real-time transactions become a standard across financial services.