Thursday April 02, 2026 - Atlantis - The Palm, Dubai 
Category Finalists 2026
As we celebrate the 2nd Edition of The Card & Payments Awards Middle East,
here is the shortlist for 2026.
3
Best Achievement in Sustainability
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Al Baraka Islamic Bank
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Entry Description (will be published)
As part of the bank's ongoing sustainability goals, we proudly revamped our cards—utilizing 100% recycled materials for debit cards and 90% for credit cards. In collaboration with Visual Notech, these eco-friendly designs ensure accessibility for blind users, promoting a greener future for all.
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Kuwait Finance House
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Entry Description (will be published)
Kuwait Finance House (KFH) was the first bank in Kuwait to introduce banking cards made from recycled material, initially launched in 2023 This initiative reflects KFH’s commitment to limiting the environmental impact of its business operations by replacing virgin plastic with recycled plastic in all banking cards.
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Mashreq
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Entry Description (will be published)
Mashreq Carbon Footprint Calculator, powered by Clarity AI (ecolytiq) and seamlessly integrated into Mashreq Mobile, empowers users to track, monitor and offset the environmental impact from their card transactions. By combining carbon analytics with curated sustainable projects, it turns awareness into action, helping customers make informed choices and support verified.
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5
Best App User Experience (CX Initiative)
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Alshaya International and Weyay Bank - Kuwait
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Entry Description (will be published)
Launched in January 2025, the Aura Weyay Prepaid Card merges Weyay Bank’s digital platform, Alshaya’s Aura rewards, and Mastercard’s network to deliver seamless, youth-focused banking. With instant onboarding, sleek in-app management, and lifestyle rewards, it redefines prepaid UX—driving 16,000+ issuances and USD 4.5M spend within months of launch.
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Blue Rewards & Al - Futtaim Group
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Entry Description (will be published)
In 2025, Blue transformed its app experience through a complete UI and UX redesign and the launch of Blue AI, the region’s first AI lifestyle advisor, delivering a simpler, more personalised, and value-driven customer experience.
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Mashreq
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Entry Description (will be published)
Integrated digital onboarding journey of Mashreq enables seamless cross-selling between Credit Cards and Mashreq Neo CASA accounts, delivering best-in-class Mobile App experience by unifying two traditionally separate journeys into a seamless, customer-centric process. Automated eligibility checks, real-time decisioning, and instant data transfers across systems reduce friction and increase product penetration.
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First Abu Dhabi Bank
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Entry Description (will be published)
FAB’s Personal Finance Management (PFM) delivers digitally enhanced experience within the FAB Mobile App, enabling customers to track spending, set budgets, get contextual personalized alerts, and manage payments seamlessly. It removes friction, improves transparency, and empowers smarter financial decisions for everyday transactions
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Citibank UAE
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Entry Description (will be published)
To combat rampant SMS-OTP based fraud, Citibank UAE pioneered in UAE’s retail banking space the introduction of app-based authentication where transactions on 3D secure websites, Citi’s internet banking transactions, and phone banking transactions are all authenticated via customer clicking on a push notification sent on the banking application.
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2
Best Application of AI or ML in Financial Services
Company name (will be published)
Aldar Properties PJSC
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Entry Description (will be published)
Aldar launched the region’s first end-to-end voice-enabled agentic payments capability. The first transaction saw a customer pay real estate service charges on the Live Aldar app using their voice and personal AI agent, shifting payments from “click to pay” to “it’s already handled”; making them faster, smarter, and almost invisible.
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Mashreq
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Entry Description (will be published)
Mashreq pioneered the region’s first fully automated, paperless credit card onboarding journey, issuing cards instantly without manual intervention. Powered by two Machine Learning engines for employer verification and name screening, the process achieves an impressive 85% Straight Through Processing rate, delivering speed, security, and a frictionless customer experience.
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10
Best Benefits or Loyalty Scheme
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Alshaya International and NBK Bank
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Entry Description (will be published)
The Aura NBK Co-brand Credit Card reimagines lifestyle banking in Kuwait by merging NBK’s financial expertise with Alshaya’s retail ecosystem. It rewards everyday spending with Aura points, exclusive lifestyle benefits, and travel privileges—delivering a first-of-its-kind, integrated experience that turns every transaction into meaningful value.
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Blue Rewards, Al-Futtaim Group
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Entry Description (will be published)
Blue by Al-Futtaim is a multi-market lifestyle loyalty platform that combines AI-powered personalisation, rich partner ecosystems, gamification, and seamless UX to deliver a redefined customer value proposition, bridging loyalty with daily life across ten markets.
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Dukhan Bank, Visa & Reward
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Entry Description (will be published)
In partnership with Visa, Dukhan Bank has launched Qatar and CEMEA’s first Card-Linked Offers programme, transforming customer engagement through personalised rewards. Since April 2025, 190K+ cardholders have joined, earning over 130K QAR cashback with leading brands — positioning Dukhan as a regional pioneer in digital loyalty innovation.
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Emirates NBD
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Entry Description (will be published)
Emirates NBD Darna credit card brings to Abu Dhabi the first retail loyalty experience in the region which combines everyday spending with instant rewards of up to 12% across 1,500 + Aldar destinations across retail, dining, experiences & more.
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Emirates NBD
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Entry Description (will be published)
Emirates NBD U By Emaar credit card is the region’s first retail conglomerate card – which continues to deliver exceptional growth & privileges to customers since 2018. With the launch of the Emirati variant in 2025, the product continues establish as a strong component of the loyalty program.
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Emirates Airline
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Entry Description (will be published)
Emirates Skywards delivers a global lifestyle loyalty ecosystem that transforms everyday engagement into aspirational rewards, strengthened by highly rewarding co-brand cards. Evidenced through a 32% YoY increase in earn activities, the programme offers innovative benefits, accelerated reward mechanisms and personalised experiences that provide unmatched value and seamless recognition.
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First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Reward
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Entry Description (will be published)
Since launch, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Reward – customer engagement specialists – have transformed everyday banking through Bonus Rewards programme. Combining rich consumer insights with creative digital experiences, producing personalised card-linked offers that elevate engagement, strengthen loyalty and position FAB as a pioneer of customer-centric digital banking.
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Mashreq
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Entry Description (will be published)
Vantage is Mashreq’s bank-wide loyalty program with competitive earn rates and digital, personalized and instant redemptions via Mashreq Mobile, offering customers choices such as Amazon and noon vouchers, Skywards, Etihad Guest, Avios, instant cashback, and more. With transparency at its core, the program transforms loyalty into a seamless, rewarding experience.
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Emirates NBD
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Entry Description (will be published)
The noon One Credit Card is a fully integrated loyalty-led credit card designed around everyday customer needs. Through a year-long calendar of personalized rewards, exclusive experiences, and ecosystem-first benefits, it delivers measurable savings, higher engagement, and exceptional retention across the Noon platform.
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American Express Middle East
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Entry Description (will be published)
Membership Rewards® gives you the freedom to use your points your way. Earn points on most purchases and redeem them for travel, shopping, or to cover recent Card transactions. With no expiration dates, points are easy to earn, flexible to use, and designed to fit your lifestyle.
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12
Best Credit Card or Credit Facility
Company name (will be published)
Emirates Islamic Bank
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Entry Description (will be published)
Emirates Islamic has partnered with Amazon UAE and Mastercard to introduce a pioneering financial product in the MENA region: the Amazon Emirates Islamic Mastercard Credit Card. This card converges EI's robust banking expertise & Amazon’s e-commerce leadership to meet the sophisticated and evolving lifestyle needs of the customers in UAE.
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Emirates NBD
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Entry Description (will be published)
The Emirates NBD Skywards Card has redefined travel rewards for 15 years, evolving into a fan-favourite with unmatched value. Offering Silver status, up to 100,000 bonus Miles, accelerated earning on daily spends, it empowers customers to travel more, live better, making it the ultimate companion for the modern traveller.
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Blue Rewards, Al-Futtaim Group
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Entry Description (will be published)
Celebrating 10 years, the Blue FAB Credit Card portfolio elevates cardholders within the Al-Futtaim ecosystem, delivering unrivalled lifestyle value through its established conventional card and newly launched Islamic credit card, offering high cashback, exclusive rewards, zero fees, flexible financing and AI-driven convenience.
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BSF
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Entry Description (will be published)
The BSF Alfursan Infinite Credit Card delivers the strongest miles proposition in the market, with an industry-leading quarterly bonus, exceptional earning rates, and no reduced miles on key MCCs. This friction-free, full-value approach sets a new benchmark for premium travel cards and ensures customers earn meaningful rewards on every transaction.
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BSF
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Entry Description (will be published)
The BSF Lifestyle Credit Card is Saudi Arabia’s first fully customizable cashback card, empowering customers to choose their cashback earning rates across 5 different categories monthly. Designed for modern, digitally driven lifestyles, it delivers personalized value, flexibility, and a customer-centric experience unmatched in traditional cashback products.
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Citibank UAE
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Entry Description (will be published)
Citi Ultima sets the benchmark for premium cards, designed for affluent and frequent travellers. It combines tailored privileges: 50% off flights, unlimited third-night hotel stays, and home check-in. Its top-tier Citi Miles program offers "fly any airline, class, destination" redemption ,delivering unmatched luxury travel flexibility and Strengthening Citi's affluent proposition.
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Aldar Properties PJSC
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Entry Description (will be published)
The Darna–Emirates NBD Credit Card reimagines spending as part of a life well lived. built into Aldar’s world of homes, malls, hotels, education, and leisure, it rewards customers with generous cashback, instant redemption, and thoughtful privileges acknowledging not just transactions, but the lives and people behind them.
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Dubai Islamic Bank
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Entry Description (will be published)
SHAMS Card offers monthly free-airport lounges,valet parking,fitness first access,unlimited buy-1-get-1 Coffee,international driving license,airport transfers,4 golf rounds,50% on movies tickets/F&B worldwide and 20% cashback on online merchants (worth AED40K+ annual save).Earn Wala’a points on spends–with 5% back on travel,hotel&dining spends,redeemable across 700+ airlines,800K+ hotels,shopping,bills,cashback & other loyalty programmes.All-in-one card for free
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Company name (will be published)
Emirates Islamic Bank
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Entry Description (will be published)
The Emirates Islamic Skywards Black Credit Card is a travel-focused card designed to offer various benefits for frequent travelers. It provides Skywards Miles on spending, includes Emirates Skywards Gold membership benefits, and offers lounge access, airport transfers, and golf privileges.
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Emirates NBD
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Entry Description (will be published)
Emirates NBD SHARE Credit Card delivers an elevated rewards experience across Majid Al Futtaim’s retail ecosystem with over 5,000 stores across UAE. With unified partner earn and seamless earn & redeem mechanism across 4 variants, the credit card is the fastest growing VISA credit card portfolios in the UAE region.
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Tabby
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Entry Description (will be published)
A reimagined daily spending card made to flex. With no issuing or annual fees, customers can shop anywhere Visa is accepted with up to 40 days to pay, split purchases in up to 8 monthly payments with no interest or hidden fees and earn 5% cashback on everyday spending.
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Warba Bank - Kuwait
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Entry Description (will be published)
The world’s first Sharia-compliant Dual Chip Contactless Card, exclusively for Private Banking customers, combining debit and credit functionalities into one secure, premium product. With high adoption, strong customer satisfaction, and complementary digital wallet integration, it provides convenience, exclusivity, and security for affluent clients who value innovation with prestige.
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4
Best Cross-Border Payments Initiative
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Nium
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Entry Description (will be published)
Nium and Emirates NBD’s strategic partnership, launched in 2024, delivers fast, cost-effective, and reliable cross-border payments. Following a successful rollout, the service has expanded across Emirates NBD Group in the UAE, with plans underway to extend real-time payouts to customers in Saudi Arabia via Emirates NBD KSA.
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Emirates NBD
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Entry Description (will be published)
Emirates NBD Wholesale Travel Payment Solution is an enhanced Virtual Corporate Card platform designed to enable Travel Aggregators to securely and efficiently make embedded B2B supplier payments globally (e.g., hotels, digital marketing) which are largely cross-border, with superior commercial terms. We were the First Regional Bank to launch this solution.
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Emirates NBD PJSC
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Entry Description (will be published)
Emirates NBD's successful turn-around in credit card cross border payments, achieving strong market out performance in 2025 after trailing the market in 2024 driven by focused strategy, enhanced customer value and accelerated spend growth.
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Verto
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Entry Description (will be published)
Verto is a leading cross-border payments platform enabling UAE businesses to trade seamlessly with global markets - particularly the fast-growing and underserved UAE-Africa corridor. Through a unified tech platform, Verto allows businesses to convert, hold, receive, and send payments across 49+ currencies, eliminating the friction historically associated with emerging-market trade.
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4
Best Customer Service
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Alfardan Exchange
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Entry Description (will be published)
Through cutting-edge digital platforms, in-person assistance, and strategic partnerships, Alfardan Exchange turns every interaction into a seamless, personalized experience. We go beyond simply handling transactions, complaints and queries — we provide customer service that embraces a fun yet sustainable and modern lifestyle.
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Mashreq Bank
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Entry Description (will be published)
Mashreq considers client servicing a key part of its core value proposition for existing clients as well as new prospects, aiming to make features and capabilities available at the clients’ fingertips. The team analyses customer interactions and anticipate customer behaviours to assess servicing needs and make them easily accessible.
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Citibank UAE
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Entry Description (will be published)
A DIY Emergency button on the Citibank UAE mobile application to allow customers to act immediately in case of an overall fraud attack or account takeover contingency. This not only temporarily freezes all accounts and but also send an immediate alert to the Fraud management team to commence investigation
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Warba Bank - Kuwait
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Entry Description (will be published)
Warba Bank has transformed its customer experience through digital innovation, multi-channel support, and direct engagement, resulting in measurable improvements in satisfaction and loyalty.
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4
Best Early-Stage or Future Payments Initiative
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NEOPAY
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Entry Description (will be published)
NEOPAY has been one of the first acquirers, to enable Aani payment acceptance and Jaywan payment acceptance on ecommerce.
Details on Aani ecom and Jaywan ecom to be added:
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First Abu Dhabi
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Entry Description (will be published)
FAB Rewards Active Card unites tokenized wearable payments, gamified wellness rewards, and personalized experiences—integrating Tappy, Mastercard/Magnati, Steppi, Collinson, IDEMIA, and Fiserv to deliver secure, seamless, lifestyle-led banking. A future-ready proposition designed for wellness-first living, embedded finance, and effortless everyday payments
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Mashreq Bank
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Entry Description (will be published)
Mashreq Corporate Credit Card empowers businesses with seamless ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) integrations, real-time visibility, automated reconciliations while providing the usual corporate credit card services. This future ready initiative enhances B2B payments through embedded finance and custom spending control enabling secure, digital first transactions.
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Quick Topups
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Entry Description (will be published)
QuickTopUps is a global digital commerce platform, connecting consumers, wallets, and entertainment ecosystems in emerging markets. It enables instant purchase and gifting of digital vouchers for gaming and streaming via partner banking apps. Integrates localized payment rails, AI-driven pricing, and regional compliance, empowering millions Globally
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8
Best Industry Innovation
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Emirates Islamic
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Entry Description (will be published)
ALPHA Youth Proposition is a fully digital, instant account opening solution co-created with youth. Featuring unique debit card designs selected by young customers, rewards, and ecosystem partnerships, ALPHA combines real-time banking with financial literacy and experiential learning—building confident, financially responsible future generations.
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National Bank of Kuwait
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Entry Description (will be published)
NBK became the first bank in the GCC and Middle East to launch the Tap to add card+ PIN enabling customers to add their NBK Mastercard to Apple Pay instantly by tapping their physical card and entering their PIN, eliminating manual entry, activation delays and physical PIN delivery.
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FAB
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Entry Description (will be published)
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) introduced wearable payments with two global-first innovations: launched FAB Rewards Active Credit Card linked to (a) a fitness-tracking payment ring and (b) Tappy-powered Mastercard McLaren bands, seamlessly merging health, lifestyle, and payments for frictionless checkout at events and everyday life
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Mashreq
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Entry Description (will be published)
An industry-first, Mashreq’s 1-click CLI journey enables credit card limit increase for customers instantly via Mashreq Mobile. The journey is powered by real-time bureau and DBR checks, latest income update, behavioral risk scoring and internal policy checks to compute eligibility and assign limit instantly.
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Citibank UAE
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Entry Description (will be published)
Citibank UAE leverages advanced device binding technology to identify and secure customer mobile devices. This enhances security and convenience, like mobile app-based authentication, emergency lock switch and mandatory security enrolment for high-risk transactions. This technology also paves the way for future fraud-combating tools, empowering customers with greater control and safety.
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Warba Bank - Kuwait
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Entry Description (will be published)
The world’s first Sharia-compliant Dual Chip Contactless Card, exclusively for Private Banking customers, combining debit and credit functionalities into one secure, premium product. With high adoption, strong customer satisfaction, and complementary digital wallet integration, it provides convenience, exclusivity, and security for affluent clients who value innovation with prestige.
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Company name (will be published)
First Abu Dhabi Bank & Collinson
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Entry Description (will be published)
FAB Wellness Rewards gamifies fitness by converting Steppi-tracked steps into FAB Rewards. Powered by Collinson, who manage the loyalty infrastructure, integration and UI/UX, the program connects fitness engagement with rewards. Customers earn and redeem points for sportswear, healthy meals and gym access—linking health, lifestyle and everyday banking engagement seamlessly together.
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IDEMIA secure transactions
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Entry Description (will be published)
Developed by s.Technology and IDEMIA Secure Transactions, sAxess combines on-card biometric authentication with blockchain-based credential protection and recovery. Built on IDEMIA’s B. CHAIN technology, it removes passwords and PINs, reduces credential-related risk, and enables secure, user-controlled access to digital assets and sensitive data.
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8
Best Marketing Campaign
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Emirates NBD
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Entry Description (will be published)
The Bon Appétit AED 10 Festival was a 10-day, offline-first dining campaign offering premium signature dishes for just AED 10 exclusively to Emirates NBD cardholders. Partnering with 40+ restaurants, it delivered exceptional engagement, increased card usage, and positioned the bank as a true lifestyle enabler.
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Network International
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Entry Description (will be published)
This campaign established Network International’s first always-on SME acquisition engine, built on a layered creative framework, behavioral targeting, and smart channel orchestration across Google, Meta, and LinkedIn. It combined brand trust, product clarity, and social proof to guide SMEs through a seamless journey from awareness to high-intent conversion.
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Citibank UAE
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Entry Description (will be published)
“Fly on your terms” redefined premium travel marketing in the Middle East. Citi Ultima positioned freedom and flexibility, not just features, at the heart of elite travel. Through elegant creative and strategic rollout, it boosted engagement and positioned Citi as the most aspirational travel card brand.
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FAB
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Entry Description (will be published)
FAB and Mastercard launched the McLaren Racing campaign in the UAE, anchored by the McLaren Affinity Pass — combining immersive Abu Dhabi Grand Prix activations, exclusive digital card art, McLaren Plus benefits, live fan experiences and music-led events to drive deep fan engagement and top-of-wallet preference among digitally native customers
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Mashreq
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Entry Description (will be published)
Scratch&Win campaign by Mashreq brings together a fun digital interface, the universal appeal of a game of chance and instant gratification, resulting in an engagement program that broke all benchmarks for customer participation. Inspired by its success, the bank re-launched to relaunch in Dec-25 after round 1 in
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Emirates NBD
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Entry Description (will be published)
“P(L)ay It Like Pep” positioned Emirates NBD at the heart of football audience by leveraging Pep Guardiola’s leadership values - clarity, purpose, and strategy. This distinctive campaign transformed audience passion into trust, connecting fans with payments and cementing Emirates NBD as
the top-of-mind, trusted and innovative banking partner.
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Emirates Islamic
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Entry Description (will be published)
The Amazon Emirates Islamic Mastercard Credit Card launch redefined digital card acquisition in the region. As the first Amazon credit card in MENA, the campaign delivered a fully digital, Shariah-compliant journey, acquiring 10,000 cards in one month through a differentiated value proposition and high-intent ecosystem-led marketing.
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First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Reward
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Entry Description (will be published)
18 months after launching Bonus Rewards, First Abu Dhabi Bank continues to engage customers through its monthly ‘Spin the Wheel’ campaign. The initiative sustains excitement and reward redemption with fresh prizes and partner offers, spotlighting key retailers and driving lasting connections between FAB, its customers, and the wider retail communities.
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3
Best Payment Facility
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Network International
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Entry Description (will be published)
N-Genius is a next-generation payment platform that enables merchants to accept secure, multi-channel payments seamlessly. Supporting cards, wallets, QR payments, and BNPL, it provides a scalable, reliable, and compliant solution that streamlines operations, enhances customer experience, and empowers businesses across the UAE and beyond.
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Mashreq
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Entry Description (will be published)
Mashreq is proud to be the first issuer of Jaywan Visa co-badged debit cards in the UAE, enabling Jaywan, UAE’s domestic card scheme.. This initiative supports the UAE’s FIT program and sets the foundation for a secure, inclusive, and locally empowered payment ecosystem.
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Tabby
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Entry Description (will be published)
A reimagined daily spending card made to flex. Empowering financial freedom with flexible payment options and complete transparency. Take the power of Tabby across thousands of partner stores and beyond, anywhere Visa is accepted. Expanding choice and accessibility with a free digital card issued in minutes.
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3
Best POS Solution
Company name (will be published)
Network International
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Entry Description (will be published)
N-Genius POS is a versatile, Android-powered terminal that transforms the retail payment experience. It supports secure contact and contactless transactions, multiple payment methods, and loyalty programs, providing merchants with a reliable, smart platform to streamline operations and meet modern customer payment expectations.
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Geidea
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Entry Description (will be published)
Geidea’s all in one POS solution empowers businesses of every size with seamless payments, smart management tools, simple inventory control and real time reporting in one intuitive platform. Designed for the Middle East, it helps merchants work smarter, serve customers faster and stay in control of their growth every day.
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NEOPAY
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Entry Description (will be published)
NEOPAY’s wireless integrated POS solution delivers seamless payment experiences for mobility and public services. Deployed in Sharjah Taxi, RTA Happiness Centers, and Dubai Police facilities, it enables secure, real-time transactions without physical connectivity, enhancing efficiency and customer convenience.
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7
Best Pre-Paid Product or Programme
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Alshaya International and NBK Bank
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Entry Description (will be published)
The NBK–Aura Prepaid Card merges digital banking and lifestyle rewards through a seamless, fully digital journey. Offering instant issuance, 6% back at Aura brands, and 2% at The Avenues Mall, it empowers customers 15+ with inclusive access, responsible spending, and rich rewards—driving strong adoption and over USD 8.2 M spend.
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Alshaya International and Weyay Bank - Kuwait
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Entry Description (will be published)
Launched in January 2025, the Aura Weyay Prepaid Card merges Weyay Bank’s digital-first banking, Alshaya Group’s Aura rewards, and Mastercard’s global network. It offers instant digital onboarding, seamless payments, and lifestyle rewards—empowering Kuwait’s youth with accessible, rewarding, and inclusive financial experiences.
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Blue Rewards, Al-Futtaim Group
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Entry Description (will be published)
The Mall Gift Card offers a flexible, digital-first spending and gifting solution accepted at 700+ mall outlets, integrates with Blue Rewards for points, and supports corporate gifting, bridging loyalty engagement with seamless retail experiences.
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Kuwait Finance House
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Entry Description (will be published)
Launched in April 2025, the KFH Reward Prepaid Card delivers exceptional value by combining flexibility, security, and rewards. It empowers customers to manage spending without the need for a salary requirement, while offering global acceptance for purchases and ATM withdrawals.
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Giftstarr
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Entry Description (will be published)
Giftstarr is a specialist provider of prepaid gift card programmes, delivering innovative, secure, and scalable solutions for malls, retailers, and brands. Through seamless payment integration, operational automation, and customer-centric design, Giftstarr empowers organisations to elevate their gifting ecosystems and deliver best-in-class prepaid experiences across diverse retail environments.
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eNovate
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Entry Description (will be published)
Adopting CaaS, Rize equips university students with a fully-fledged, secured end-to-end financial solution intended to empower them to practice financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, and responsible spending. Rize -as an innovative solution-is designed to help students build their own seamless customer experience whereby they can perform diversified financial transactions.
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National Bank of Kuwait
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Entry Description (will be published)
The NBK UEFA co-branded prepaid card is a first-of-its-kind prepaid solution in the MENA region designed to teach children and youth financial responsibility in a fun, engaging way. Customers earn UEFA Goal Points on every load and spend, redeemable as cashback or e-vouchers, combining payments with education and emotional engagement.
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8
Best Product Design
Company name (will be published)
Alshaya International and Weyay Bank
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
The Aura Weyay Co-brand Prepaid Card, launched in January 2025, combines Weyay Bank’s digital-first design ethos with Aura’s lifestyle identity and Mastercard’s innovation. Its bold, minimalist aesthetic and sleek digital interface create a seamless, empowering experience for Kuwait’s youth—merging style, technology, and purpose in every interaction.
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Company name (will be published)
Blue Rewards, Al-Futtaim Group
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
The Blue FAB Credit Card merges refined aesthetics with digital synergy, combining premium materials and brand motifs in physical design with an intuitive, visually aligned app interface, creating a seamless, trust-driven user experience that reflects Al-Futtaim Group’s values.
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Company name (will be published)
Citibank UAE
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Citi Ultima is an all-metal premium credit card for affluent UAE customers valuing luxury and refined craftsmanship. Its brushed graphite finish, minimalist front and precision cut create a distinctive aesthetic. This design elevates the payment experience reflecting Citi’s premium positioning and the lifestyle expectations.
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Company name (will be published)
Mashreq
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
The Mashreq io Credit Card is a premium, invitation-only offering designed for Mashreq’s most distinguished Private Banking clients. It combines luxury, exclusivity, and tailored privileges to match the refined lifestyle of UHNW individuals.
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Company name (will be published)
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
The gold-plated metal card that blends luxury with symbolic meaning. Inspired by the goldfish—long associated with abundance, transformation and joy—the card represents growth, evolution and aspiration. Its distinctive aesthetic, premium materials and storytelling approach elevate it beyond a payment instrument into an icon of exclusivity.
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Company name (will be published)
Mashreq Bank
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Flash Cash, inspired by UAE’s cashless vision, offers instant cash with a permanent credit card limit via seamless, paperless onboarding. With attractive rates, it delivers real-time financial access, affordability, and flexibility—empowering customers with the speed they need, the cost they want, and the convenience they deserve.
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Company name (will be published)
National Bank of Kuwait
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
The NBK Harrods Visa Infinite Credit Card combines iconic luxury design with seamless digital functionality. Developed in partnership with global retailer, Harrods, the card delivers a premium aesthetic experience supported by advanced digital banking features, appealing to high-net-worth customers who value exclusivity, elegance, and convenience.
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Company name (will be published)
IDEMIA Secure Transactions ft. AAFAQ
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Designed by IDEMIA Secure Transactions; AAFAQ World Elite Smart Metal Art Reflective card combines refined metal craftsmanship with a minimalist, timeless aesthetic. The metal–PVC hybrid structure, tactile finishes, and reflective detailing elevate the premium card experience while reinforcing brand confidence, trust, and long-term relevance.
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6
Best Security or Anti-Fraud Development
Company name (will be published)
Citibank UAE
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Citibank UAE has developed using best practices from across the Citi universe and in consultation with the Central Bank of UAE, a powerful suite of fraud combating digital features implemented across its mobile application and website to ensure customer security optimization and also achieving enhanced and seamless customer experience
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Company name (will be published)
Mashreq
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Mashreq’s industry leading position in safeguarding its card clients against the risks of Card-Not-Present transaction frauds by introducing new forms of authentication via device binding, a risk-based framework to facilitate low-risk transactions as frictionless, as well as secure biometric authentication for high-risk transactions, while moving away from SMS OTPs.
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Company name (will be published)
EmiratesNBD Bank PJSC
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Emirates NBD excels in fraud control, balancing prevention with a seamless customer experience through innovative, automated, next-generation machine learning platforms for real-time behavioral analytics and proactive threat interdiction across all card channels. This approach has been recognized by card schemes (Visa and Mastercard), demonstrating confidence and security.
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Company name (will be published)
FAB
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
FAB’s revolutionized card-security controls by introducing in-app OTP authentication and advanced tokenization, replacing legacy SMS methods, and mitigating SIM-swap risks. This modernized framework aligns fully with CBUAE directives while delivering measurable reductions in fraud and elevating customer confidence in secure digital banking.
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Company name (will be published)
Chargebacks911
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
FlyDubai adopted Chargebacks911’s UDMS to transform fraud and dispute operations, replacing manual systems with a unified platform that cut manual effort by 95 percent, reduced dispute cycles to 42 days, increased win rates to 59 percent and prevented one million dollars in significant fraud losses.
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Company name (will be published)
i2c
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
i2c’s AI-driven fraud risk management solution is embedded within its unified payments platform and applies real-time machine learning at transaction authorization to provide a cutting-edge defense against financial fraud, including card-not-present fraud, identity theft & account takeover, and digital payment abuse across active payment programs.
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4
Best Service to Business
Company name (will be published)
American Express Middle East
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
American Express Middle East Corporate Payment Solutions enable organizations to manage spend with visibility, control, and efficiency. Our tools streamline T&E, procurement, and supplier payments. Designed for global enterprises and regional businesses alike, the Corporate Payment Solutions help reduce operational costs while helping to inform decision-making.
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Company name (will be published)
Blue Rewards, Al-Futtaim Group
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Blue’s Merchant’s Portal gives businesses seamless access to AI driven offer management, real-time analytics, and customer targeting tools that reduce acquisition costs, increase engagement, and drive measurable ROI—all within a unified loyalty ecosystem.
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Company name (will be published)
EmiratesNBD Bank P.J.S.C.
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Emirates NBD delivers 24x7 real-time fraud monitoring for card clients, combining advanced analytics, expert review, and proactive decline management to protect business spends, minimize disruption, and recover lost revenue while maintaining industry-leading authorization rates.
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Company name (will be published)
Telr
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Telr continues to redefine fintech innovation with two groundbreaking solutions: Telr Split Payments, which automates complex payouts for marketplaces with real-time accuracy and seamless reconciliation, and Telr Incepta, an all-in-one business platform offering over 50 integrated services that empower SMBs to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and scale effortlessly.
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4
Best Technology Integration
Company name (will be published)
Mashreq
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Mashreq revolutionized digital onboarding through advanced technology integration-combining Emirates Facial Recognition for secure verification, Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) income analytics for intelligent credit assessment, and Moody’s-powered automated business verification. This unified framework enhanced accuracy, reduced turnaround times, and set new benchmarks for seamless, secure, and data-driven digital banking experience.
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Company name (will be published)
Emirates NBD
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Emirates NBD Wholesale Travel Payment Solution is an enhanced Virtual Corporate Credit Card platform designed to enable travel companies (TMCs/DMCs/OTAs) to securely and efficiently make embedded global B2B supplier payments (hotels, airlines, digital marketing etc.), with superior commercial terms. We were the First Regional Bank to launch such a solution.
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Company name (will be published)
Geidea
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Geidea delivers a fully integrated omnichannel technology stack enabling POS, SoftPOS, online payments, tokenization and alternative payment methods through one backend. With sub-2-second transactions, unified merchant portal, APIs/SDKs and real-time reporting, Geidea eliminates complexity, increases conversion and unlocks scalable growth for 500,000+ Middle Eastern merchants.
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Company name (will be published)
National Bank of Kuwait
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
NBK became the first bank in the GCC and Middle East to launch Tap to Add Card + PIN, seamlessly integrating NFC hardware recognition, secure PIN authentication, and Apple Pay tokenization to enable customers to add their card to Apple Pay instantly through a single, intuitive tap-and-confirm experience.
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2
Changing Lives in the Community
Company name (will be published)
Warba Bank - Kuwait
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Warba Bank’s Basmah Ramadan Campaign donated 10% of customers’ grocery spending to gift Eid toys to orphans in Kuwait. In partnership with Kuwait Food Bank and Dabdoob, the initiative transformed everyday spending into meaningful charity, supporting vulnerable children and strengthened the bank’s social responsibility during Ramadan.
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Company name (will be published)
eNovate
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Tahwisha is a tailored digital payment service built based on village savings and loan associations model, designed for female breadwinners in rural Egyptian communities, helping them improve their financial well-being and supporting them in starting and growing small businesses to secure a stable and sustainable source of income.
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3
Financial Inclusion Award
Company name (will be published)
Tabby
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
A reimagined daily spending card made to flex. With no issuing or annual fees, shop anywhere Visa is accepted, get up to 40 days to pay, and split purchases into up to 8 monthly payments with no interest or hidden fees—an accessible and inclusive alternative to traditional credit cards.
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Company name (will be published)
eNovate
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Tahwisha is a tailored digital payment service built based on village savings and loan associations model, designed for female breadwinners in rural Egyptian communities, helping them improve their financial well-being and supporting them in starting and growing small businesses to secure a stable and sustainable source of income.
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Company name (will be published)
Verto
Logo (will be published)
Entry Description (will be published)
Verto is a leading cross-border payments platform enabling UAE businesses to trade seamlessly with global markets - particularly the fast-growing and underserved UAE-Africa corridor. Through a unified tech platform, Verto allows businesses to convert, hold, receive, and send payments across 49+ currencies, eliminating the friction historically associated with emerging-market trade.
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