Emirates is adding the UAE’s national payment card, Jaywan, to its payment options for flight bookings from September 16. This move gives local travelers another way to pay for tickets and unlock special fares.
The airline partnered with Al Etihad Payments to accept bookings made from Dubai. Customers can use the cards through Emirates’ website and at the airline’s retail stores. This adds a locally developed payment option to the country’s growing digital payments ecosystem.
UAE-based customers booking through emirates.com can enter their Jaywan card details during checkout starting September 16. Those who prefer to book in person can use physical cards at Emirates Retail stores, where staff will verify the card before completing transactions.
The airline will accept all Jaywan card variants, including the Jaywan Royal Debit Card, Jaywan Prestige Debit Card and Jaywan Prepaid Card. The partnership gives users more choice when booking Emirates flights, while supporting the UAE’s broader push toward locally managed digital payment infrastructure.
“We've been working with partners across the UAE's digital payments ecosystem to accelerate cashless adoption within travel, and accepting Jaywan is one step further in delivering on our commitment. Our partnership with Al Etihad Payments and Jaywan also plays a part in strengthening the financial infrastructure the UAE is building for the years ahead,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer
Jaywan cardholders will also be eligible for special fares on Emirates flights departing from Dubai. The offer covers all cabin classes and most fare types, including both one-way and return journeys.
The promotional booking window begins on September 16, 2026, and runs until August 31, 2027. Customers can use the offer for travel through February 29, 2028. For now, the special fares are available through Emirates Retail stores, while online availability is expected to follow. Travellers should check the applicable fare conditions before completing their booking.
Emirates Expands Digital Payment Options
The Jaywan partnership forms part of Emirates’ wider effort to expand cashless payment choices for UAE customers. The airline signed a memorandum of understanding with Dubai Finance in October 2025 to support the Dubai Cashless Strategy. In July 2026, Emirates also introduced Crypto.com Pay for eligible UAE residents booking through emirates.com and the Emirates app.
“The acceptance of Jaywan cards across emirates.com and Emirates’ retail stores gives Jaywan Cardholders greater choice, flexibility and convenience, enabling them to pay seamlessly whether booking online or purchasing in person,” said Dr. Tariq Al Hawi, Chief Operating Officer at Al Etihad Payments.
“Combined with access to exclusive fares across all cabin classes, this partnership demonstrates how Jaywan can connect everyday payments with meaningful benefits and experiences for cardholders,” he further added.
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For UAE customers, the Emirates agreement means Jaywan can now be used for a major travel purchase while providing access to exclusive fares. The airline says the initiative supports the country’s broader digital-payment ambitions.
For Al Etihad Payments, bringing a major international airline onto the Jaywan network expands the card scheme’s everyday usefulness and gives cardholders another reason to use the homegrown payment infrastructure.