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UAE residents can now transfer money in as little as 10 seconds using nothing more than a phone number. No account details, no IBAN, and no paperwork. The service comes through Aani, the country’s instant payments platform launched by Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, in October 2023.
Aani gives banks and licensed financial institutions a unified system that allows fast, secure and seamless domestic transfers.
What makes Aani useful?
Here are the platform’s key features:
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Send money using just the recipient’s mobile number.
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Request money from anyone enrolled on Aani.
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Split bills quickly with friends or family.
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Pay via QR code at shops and restaurants once the rollout begins.
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Manage payment requests by accepting, declining or clearing pending ones.
Transfers are capped at Dh50,000 per transaction.
How the platform works
Aani supports only domestic transfers and is available through participating banks’ mobile apps. Users can also download the standalone Aani app on Apple and Android devices, but they must hold an account with one of the licensed institutions.
Current partners include major UAE banks and exchange houses such as:
ADCB, ADIB, Ajman Bank, Al Ansari Exchange, Al Fardan Exchange, Al Hilal Bank, Arab Bank, Bank of Sharjah, Botim, CBI, Citibank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Islamic, ENBD X, FAB, Finance House, HSBC, Lulu Exchange, Mashreq, Al Maryah Community Bank, NBF, RAKBank, Sharjah Islamic Bank, UAB, WIO, and others.
How to transfer money through Aani
Step 1: Enrol through your bank’s mobile app
Download your bank’s app and look for the Aani registration option. Choose the account you want linked, confirm your Emirates ID and mobile number, and complete the security verification. The exact steps may differ slightly from bank to bank.
Step 2: Wait for confirmation
Once approved, you’ll receive an email confirming your enrolment. After that, Aani services will appear under the “Transfers” section of your bank’s app. You’ll see options such as:
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Send Money
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Request Money
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Scan and Pay
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Pending Requests
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Split Bill
Processing fees, if any, are set by each financial institution.
Aani is positioned to become one of the UAE’s most convenient payment tools, offering a fast and secure way to move money without traditional banking details.
