Latest news with #Botim
Mid East Info
21-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
botim Launches Upgraded User Interface to Accelerate Its Fintech-First Transformation - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai, UAE, 21st July – botim, Astra Tech's flagship fintech-first platform in the MENA region, just launched a refreshed brand identity and an upgraded user interface. This update marks the next chapter in the app's evolution, serving a growing global user base of over 150 million with an improved experience. Built on a strong VoIP foundation that established seamless communication, botim has evolved into a fintech-first, AI-native platform by integrating advanced financial features designed to meet the changing needs of its users. From January to May 2025, Botim saw a 50% increase in monthly active wallet users, a strong indicator of its growing relevance in the digital finance space. The redesigned interface is faster, more intuitive, and purposefully structured to simplify how users interact with its core functions including payments, transfers, lending, and calling. 'botim has always been a trusted platform for meaningful connection but is much more. With this update, we're reinforcing our position as a fintech-first platform, built on a foundation of secure VoIP, and designed with simplicity at its core,' said H.E. Dr. Tariq Bin Hendi, Board Member at Astra Tech and CEO of botim. 'We've streamlined the experience to meet the needs of a growing user base that expects more not just from communication, but from the way they interact and manage their financial services as well' As the UAE continues to experience significant population growth, reaching an all-time high of 11.22 million in 2025 according to Worldometer,botim stands as a trusted platform for this expanding community combining seamless communication and financial tools into one unified experience. botim's evolution from a local service to a globally scalable solution reflects market demand with its embedded financial services such as peer-to-peer transfers and lending designed to meet users' everyday financial needs, no matter where they are. botim's AI-native foundation enhances accessibility through intelligent features such as real-time translation, smart call filters, and an interactive in-app chatbot, serving a diverse, multilingual audience. These advancements have driven the platform's latest interface update. Designed around real user behavior, the new UI makes it easier to perform everyday actions from payments and transfers to lending and calling. Services are now clearly segmented, navigation is more intuitive, and the overall experience is simplified to meet the demands of an increasingly digital, mobile-first audience. The app adapts to user profiles, from first-time users to VIPs, surfacing the most relevant services. Financial tools are now directly accessible within chat with a single click, while improved call quality and AI-powered chatbot assistance further enhance the user experience. The result is greater responsiveness, reduced clutter, and increased clarity all tailored to the needs of a growing, digitally active population. This interface update is the first step in a broader brand evolution. As the platform continues to grow in both scale and capability, botim will begin introducing a more integrated identity across its financial services laying the groundwork for a more connected, fintech-first ecosystem. About Astra Tech Astra Tech is a UAE-based consumer technology investment and development group operating across the MENA region. Established in 2022, the company owns and operates a portfolio of leading digital platforms including Botim, PayBy, and Quantix. With a mission to redefine consumer technology through AI and innovation, Astra Tech developed the Botim Ultra app, the region's first platform to integrate communication, fintech, and services under one roof. PayBy, Astra Tech's fintech subsidiary, is licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE as a Stored Value Facility (SVF) and Retail Payment Services (RPS) provider. Serving over 150 million users in 155 countries, Astra Tech is setting new benchmarks for financial accessibility and consumer empowerment. In 2024, its fintech arm Quantix received the Finance Company License from the UAE Central Bank and secured a $500 million investment from Citi, the largest funding deal for a fintech in UAE history.
Gulf Business
21-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Super app botim launches new user interface, refreshed brand identity
Image: Supplied The flagship platform of UAE-based Astra Tech, The update comes amid a sharp increase in usage of the app's financial tools, with botim reporting a 50 per cent rise in monthly active wallet users between January and May. The redesigned interface aims to simplify access to key services including payments, peer-to-peer transfers, lending, and voice and video calling. Botim reinforces is positioning as a fintech-first platform 'botim has always been a trusted platform for meaningful connection but is much more,' said Dr Tariq Bin Hendi, board member at Astra Tech and CEO of botim. 'With this update, we're reinforcing our position as a fintech-first platform, built on a foundation of secure VoIP, and designed with simplicity at its core.' The upgrade also reflects Astra Tech's strategy to expand botim's role as an integrated financial services platform. Built originally as a VoIP service, the platform now serves over 150 million users globally, with growing traction in digital financial services across the MENA region. The latest interface update includes a more intuitive layout, clearer navigation, and direct access to financial tools within the chat function. The app now adapts to different user profiles, surfacing relevant features for both first-time users and VIPs, and incorporates AI-driven capabilities such as real-time translation, smart call filtering, and in-app chatbot support. The UAE's population hit an all-time high of 11.22 million in 2025, according to Worldometer, with the country seeing rapid digital adoption. botim's evolution into a unified communication and finance app positions it to serve this growing, mobile-first demographic. 'This is the first step in a broader brand evolution,' the company said in a statement, adding that further integration of financial services and platform capabilities is planned as part of its long-term growth strategy.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How to send money from UAE without bank account: What expats need to know
AE expats can send up to AED 135,000 abroad without a bank account using low-fee apps like Careem Pay and Botim and more/ Representative Image For millions of UAE expatriates, sending money home is more than a transaction, it's a vital financial link that supports families, strengthens communities, and fuels national economies. Thanks to rapid advancements in financial technology, UAE expats no longer have to rely on traditional banks, which often involve high fees, long processing times, and the need for formal banking setups. Today, a growing number of digital platforms offer simple, fast, and low-cost alternatives, often requiring nothing more than a mobile number and a debit or credit card. Below is a detailed look at the most prominent digital platforms that allow expats in the UAE to transfer money internationally, even without holding a bank account. 1. Botim: From Calls to Global Money Transfers Originally a VoIP calling app, Botim has transformed into a powerful fintech tool. In 2023, it launched the world's first in-chat international money transfer service in the UAE, India, and the Philippines. Key Capabilities: Transfer money to 170+ countries Works through a partnership with Mastercard and regional fintech firms Direct transfers to bank accounts or mobile wallets Fully integrated with a built-in wallet feature for transaction tracking Minimal to zero transfer fees for select corridors Competitive exchange rates Supported countries include India, Pakstan, the Philippines, and Egypt 24/7 service with real-time tracking 2. Careem Pay: Ride-Hailing Meets Money Transfers Careem, best known as a ride-hailing platform, launched Careem Pay with a focus on personal finance. The service now covers domestic and international money transfers, bill payments, and more. In 2022, Careem Pay rolled out its peer-to-peer transfer service, allowing users to send, request, or receive money via: Phone number Personal QR code Personal payment link all without the need for an IBAN or bank account. Transfer Highlights: Send money to 30+ countries Foreign exchange rates are 50% cheaper than banks Transfer limits: Up to Dh45,000($12,253.50) per transaction Up to Dh135,000 ($36,760.50) monthly Supports UAE-issued debit cards Offers instant or same-day delivery in certain corridors Interface includes multilingual support 3. e& money: Telecom Giant's Leap into Fintech Previously known as Etisalat Wallet, e& money is the fintech arm of the Emirates Telecom Group. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Discover Hotel and Restaurant Management Programs in Asia LocalPlan Search Now Undo Now licensed and regulated by the UAE Central Bank, the app offers a wide range of digital financial services. Top Features: International remittances to over 200 countries Send funds directly to bank accounts or mobile wallets Also supports local transfers, bill payments, mobile top-ups, and gifting Offers competitive exchange rates and minimal fees Fully smartphone-based interface 4. Taptap Send: Zero-Fee Transfers for Emerging Markets Newer to the UAE market but popular globally, Taptap Send focuses on enabling fast, affordable transfers to developing nations, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. App Features: Zero transfer fees for countries like: India Ghana Bangladesh Competitive exchange rates Delivery often within minutes Extremely simple user interface Fast registration process 5. LuLu Money: The Digital Face of LuLu Exchange Operated by LuLu Exchange, LuLu Money is a remittance and payment app serving over 170 countries. Key Benefits: Transfer money using cash, prepaid card, or a linked digital wallet Offers real-time exchange rate monitoring Features flexible payout methods Backed by strong regulatory compliance Customers can track transactions easily Includes loyalty points and developer tools for integration 6. Al Ansari Exchange App : The All-in-One 'Super-App' A well-established name in UAE remittances, Al Ansari Exchange has digitized its services into a comprehensive mobile platform. What It Offers: Transfers via: Online bank transfers Credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) Direct debit PayPlus card Cash deposits at branches Features include: Real-time exchange rates Rate-alert notifications 24/7 transfer service Regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE High-level encryption and fraud protection 7. Unimoni App: Transparency and Global Reach Previously known as UAE Exchange, Unimoni is part of Wizz Financial/Finablr, headquartered in Abu Dhabi and operating in over 30 countries. Service Range: International money transfers Foreign exchange Travel and payment services Credit solutions Unique Advantages: Uses live mid-market exchange rates Small markups are built into rates, no flat hidden fees Clear display of fees in UAE dirhams For India transfers: 18% GST on the transfer fee or forex margin 5% TCS (Tax Collected at Source) on annual remittances above Dh30,500, as per Indian tax laws
Khaleej Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
How UAE expats can transfer money abroad without a bank account, with low fees
Remittances from expats in the UAE and around the world are more than just money transfers to families back home; they are a vital cog of foreign currency inflows. These money flows help support financial stability, boost household incomes, and even contribute to national GDPs. With digital transfers just a tap away, sending money abroad has become faster, easier, and more affordable. Thanks to the rise of digital apps and mobile fintech platforms, expats can now avoid the high fees and lengthy processes of traditional banks. Some apps offer free to minimal fees when sending money from the UAE to other countries. Some require no registration fees, no minimum balance, and no bank account. Customers only need an active UAE mobile number, a debit or credit card with online banking access. Here is the list of apps you can send your money through and how it works: Botim Originally popular among expats as a VoIP calling platform, expat can transfer money transfer across 170+ countries with Botim. In 2023, Botim launched its first fintech service and the world's first in-chat international money transfers in the UAE, India, and the Philippines. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Through its partnership with Mastercard and regional fintech players, Botim now allows users to send money directly to bank accounts or mobile wallets in multiple countries. Botim integrates with its own wallet feature, allowing users to manage and track their transactions. Key features: Competitive exchange rates Minimal to zero fees for select corridors Transfers to countries like India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Egypt Available 24/7 with real-time tracking Careem Pay Expats can send money to more than 30 countries through Careem pay. From bill payments, to domestic and international transfers, customers can manage most of their financial needs directly through Careem Pay. Careem Pay launched its peer-to-peer money transfer service in 2022, allowing customers to send, request, and receive money using a phone number, personal QR code, or personal payment link without needing an IBAN or account number. And with competitive foreign exchange rates that are 50 per cent cheaper than banks, customers can transfer up to Dh45,000 in a single transaction and up to Dh135,000 monthly. Key features: Low-cost international transfers Instant or same-day delivery in select corridors Integration with UAE-issued debit cards User-friendly interface with multilingual support e& money Formerly known as Etisalat Wallet, e& money is part of the Emirates Telecom Group's foray into fintech. With its digital wallet, users can send money abroad directly from their smartphones with minimal fees and competitive exchange rates. e& money has expanded its financial services by offering international and local transfers, bill payment, top up, gifting, card payments, lending and many more financial services. Key Features: Licensed and regulated by the UAE Central Bank Direct transfers to bank accounts and mobile wallets International remittances to over 200 countries Supports utility payments, in-app purchases, and local transfers too Taptap Send This platform provides fast, low-fee money transfers, particularly for communities sending money to countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. While newer to the UAE market, it is popular for its zero transfer fees, competitive exchange rates, and quick transfer times. Key features: No transfer fees in many corridors (e.g., to India, Pakistan, Ghana, Bangladesh) Competitive exchange rates Fast delivery, often within minutes Simple interface and quick registration Lulu Money LuLu Money is the digital remittance and payment platform offered by LuLu Exchange. Through the app customers can transfer money to over 170 countries easily and securely. It maintains a safe record of all transactions which you can access with ease. This app allows users to send money using cash, a prepaid card, or a linked digital wallet. Its standout advantages include real-time rate monitoring, flexible payout methods, competitive fees, strong regulatory backing, and added perks like loyalty points and developer-ready remittance solutions. Al Ansari Exchange app Al Ansari Exchange app is a fully digital 'super-app' for remittances, prepaid card management, bill payments, airline tickets, mobile top-ups, and government services. It has multiple payment options such as online bank transfers, credit cards, Visa/ Mastercard debit cards, direct debit, PayPlus card or even cash at the branch to make your experience with us as convenient as possible. Regulated by Central Bank of the UAE, Al Ansari Exchange app sends money 24 hours with real‑time exchange rates and rate-alert notification. The app offers bank-grade encryption, fraud prevention layers, and in‑app secure navigation. Unimoni app Unimoni (formerly UAE Exchange) is a global financial services brand under the Wizz Financial/Finablr umbrella, headquartered in Abu Dhabi. It operates in over 30 countries with a strong presence across the GCC, South Asia, Africa, Australia, Canada and more. It is a global provider of money transfer, foreign exchange, payments, travel services, and credit solutions. It claims to be transparent, with low fees displayed upfront in dirham and no hidden charges or surprises. The app uses live mid-market rates for foreign exchange, with small markups built into rates instead of flat fees. For India transfers, fees include 18 per cent GST on the fee or forex margin, 5 per cent TCS (tax collected at source) for over Dh30,500 remittances yearly under India's regulations.
Arabian Business
22-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Central Bank of the UAE
The collaboration establishes Botim, powered by PayBy, as the UAE's first fintech platform to enable Jaywan card issuance
