Latest news with #EMV
Time Out
23-05-2025
- Time Out
BTS fares go flat 20 baht on all routes this September
Starting September 30, Thai citizens can ride the electric trains across the red, purple, green, blue, pink, yellow and gold lines on BTS, MRT as well as the Airport Rail Link for just B20 per trip. How? Register through the Tang Rat (ทางรัฐ) app and tap in with either a contactless EMV card (Europay, Mastercard and Visa) or a registered Rabbit card. EMV cards cover red, purple, blue, pink, yellow lines plus the Airport Rail Link (ARL). Rabbit cards work on green, pink, gold and yellow lines.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Jaywan: UAE's new domestic card payment scheme; all your questions answered
In today's fast-paced digital economy, seamless, secure, and cost-effective payment solutions are essential for both consumers and businesses. The way we pay for goods and services is evolving rapidly, with an increasing focus on digital transactions. While global payment networks have long dominated the landscape, many countries are now developing their own domestic card schemes to strengthen financial sovereignty, enhance economic efficiency, and provide more tailored solutions for their citizens. The UAE is no exception to this trend. Recognising the need for a homegrown payment solution that aligns with the country's economic ambitions and consumer needs, Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, has launched Jaywan, the nation's domestic card scheme. Here is all you need to know about Jaywan card: What is Jaywan? Built for the UAE, by the UAE, Jaywan is the UAE's national card payment scheme, meaning it provides a homegrown option to internationally issued debit and prepaid cards. What is the purpose? For many years, transactions in the UAE have been processed primarily through global card networks. While these networks provide convenience, they also limit the ability to customise solutions for local needs and increase reliance on external payment systems. The primary goal of Jaywan is to strengthen the country's payment infrastructure by offering an efficient, secure, and widely accepted payment solution that aligns with national economic priorities. What kinds of cards does Jaywan offer right now? There are a range of cards tailored to different customer needs. These include: * Debit cards are issued by participating banks as they will allow consumers to make purchases and withdraw cash directly from their bank accounts. They provide an easy and secure way to manage daily expenses. * Prepaid cards are ideal for budgeting and controlled spending. They can be loaded with a set amount of funds, making them useful for travel, gifting, and specific spending purposes. * Credit cards will initially launch with debit and prepaid cards. However, if there is sufficient demand, it will expand to include credit cards as well. Can international transactions be made with a Jaywan card? Jaywan allows consumers to make both domestic and international transactions while ensuring that more financial value remains within the UAE. What are Jaywan's unique features? * Cards can be used across the UAE and globally due to strategic partnerships with international networks such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and UnionPay. * Build with EMV chip technology, tokenisation, and advanced fraud monitoring to ensure secure transactions. * Offers debit and prepaid cards, with plans for additional product types based on market needs. * Supports tap-to-pay functionality and digital wallet integration for convenience and speed. What are the general benefits? By introducing Jaywan, the UAE benefits in several ways: * Ensures that payment processing is managed within the country, reducing dependence on external providers * Offers businesses a cost-effective option and reduces operational expenses. * Keeps a greater portion of transaction fees within the UAE's economy, supporting financial institutions and merchants. * Customised services and benefits to meet the unique needs of UAE residents and businesses. What will consumers or businesses gain? Jaywan is designed to benefit the entire ecosystem - from everyday consumers to small businesses and large enterprises. By offering a secure, locally managed, and cost-efficient option, Jaywan creates tangible value on both sides of a transaction. Consumers * Whether shopping online or in-store, Jaywan ensures a seamless and protected transaction experience. * Jaywan cards support NFC-enabled tap-and-go payments and integration with mobile wallets. * Thanks to partnerships with major international networks, Jaywan can be used both within the UAE and abroad. * As a UAE-based card scheme, Jaywan is designed specifically for the UAE's residents, offering localised benefits such as merchant discounts and exclusive access to certain services within the country. Businesses * Jaywan reduces the cost of payment processing, making it a more affordable proposition for businesses of all sizes * Jaywan provides smaller merchants with cost-effective digital payment acceptance, driving financial inclusion and reducing reliance on cash.
Gulf Today
19-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Future mass transit ticketing to be AI-based and passenger-centered
As urban areas evolve into smarter ecosystems, the mass transit sector is experiencing a significant digital transformation, particularly in ticketing processes. Traditional cash and card models are giving way to fast, secure, and seamless digital systems. Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to play a crucial role in optimising transit operations by analysing ridership data to enhance route planning and implement equitable pricing models. This data-driven approach aims to create smarter cities that benefit all community members. Fernando Herkenhoff, Regional Sales Manager for Mass Transit at HID, shares insights from the newly released State of Mass Transit Ticketing Hardware Report 2025, a collaborative study between HID and Global Mass Transit, based on feedback from over 100 transit agencies worldwide. Insights reveal that while many transit agencies are satisfied with their current systems, nearly half are planning upgrades or exploring new fare collection hardware by 2030. A notable trend is the shift towards open-loop EMV contactless systems, with 43% of agencies planning deployments within five years. Regional variations in adoption highlight the differences between North America and Europe; 87% of North American agencies still rely on traditional fareboxes, while 86% of European providers have embraced app-based mobile ticketing. Globally, 58% of agencies are incorporating mobile ticketing into their operations. The focus is on modernisation and usability, with 66% of agencies prioritising user-friendly interfaces. Open-loop contactless systems not only enhance convenience but also offer significant cost savings by reducing cash handling expenses and improving security through adherence to EMV and PCI standards. HID envisions integrating various ticketing technologies to streamline fare validation, thus improving passenger experiences and operational efficiency while potentially reducing emissions from idling vehicles. As the landscape of ticketing technology evolves, selecting the right partner becomes increasingly important for transit agencies. Herkenhoff emphasises the need for open-source and scalable systems that accommodate various fare types while minimizing long-term costs. HID aims to lead this transformation by expanding its portfolio of interoperable solutions over the next five years, focusing on advanced validators, enhanced mobile features, and AI analytics. In conclusion, the future of mass transit ticketing is poised to be open, digital, and centered around passenger needs. With innovators like HID at the forefront, the journey ahead promises to be both seamless and intelligent.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EMV's tourism initiatives enhance Jordan's status as global destination
AMMAN — The Economic Modernisation Vision's (EMV) economic engine of "Jordan, a Global Destination" includes a number of "qualitative" tourism initiatives that aim to enhance competitiveness and achieve a sustainable growth, according to an official statement. The tourism sector is considered one of the "largest" tributaries of the Kingdom's economy, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The Kingdom enjoys "unique" attractions in the religious, historical, and nature-based fields, such as Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, the Baptism Site, Machaerus, the Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Ahlu Al Kahf) and the Husseini Mosque, in addition to adventure tourism such as diving and water sports sites. Jordan enjoys a "leading" position in the fast-growing medical tourism, and it meets the needs of tourists who are looking for "special" experiences in archaeological, nature and health tourism. The top tourism initiatives under the EMV aim at developing, managing and preserving tourist sites and facilities, improving various types of tourism products, activating the tourism investment initiative, and facilitating travel to and within Jordan, as well as launching a cost competitiveness initiative and providing services at "reasonable" prices. The initiatives also include establishing a programme for skill development, launching the "digital tourist initiative", updating the sector's data to facilitate decision-making, enhance tourism marketing, linking Jordan to wider network of countries, improving tourism-related regulations and simplifying governmental procedures. The Jordan Global Destination Engine comprises two sectors encompassing 25 initiatives, according to Petra. Tourism revenue surged to $2.4 billion in the first third of 2025, marking a 15.3 per cent increase compared with the same period last year, according the data from the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ). According to the monthly report issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Jordan welcomed about 2.1 million international tourists in the first four months of 2025, marking a 19 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. This growth is attributed to promotional campaigns that target global markets, in addition to resuming direct flights and low-cost airlines. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Ammon
17-05-2025
- Business
- Ammon
16 initiatives launched to enhance Jordan's global tourist status
Ammon News - Jordan's tourism sector provides 16 initiatives, aimed to develop "marketable" experiences with a focus on travelers who seek unique, world-class experiences in the fields of heritage and nature, as well as religious, therapeutic, wellness, and adventure tourism. According to data from the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) and Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Jordan's tourism sector achieved "remarkable" growth during the first third of 2025, marking an increase in tourism revenue and an surge in the number of international tourists, compared to the same period in 2024. The Kingdom's tourism revenue during the January-April period of 2025 amounted to approximately JD1.721 billion, reflecting a 15.3% increase, compared to the same period in 2024, when the figure stood at JD1.493 billion. Based on the monthly report issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the total number of international visitors during the January-April period 2025 reached approximately 2.125 million, constituting a 19% increase, compared to the same period in 2024, when the figure stood at 1.785 million. The Kingdom witnessed a "significant" increase in tourism revenues and the number of international visitors during the past months of this year, reflecting a "positive" improvement in the sector's performance. The report noted this growth is due to multiple factors, mainly the "intensified diligent" promotional campaigns targeting "promising" global markets, added to the resumption of a number of direct and low-cost flights, which contributed to facilitating access to Jordan's tourist destinations. The Economic Modernization Vision (EMV), under "Jordan: A Global Destination" Axis, features a set of "qualitative" tourist initiatives, aimed at enhancing the sector's "competitiveness" and achieving "sustainable" growth, especially since the tourism sector is one of the largest contributors to Jordanian economy. The Kingdom boasts "unique" religious, historical, archaeological, heritage, and natural sites, mainly Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, the Baptism Site, the Makawar Castle, and the Al-Husseini Mosque. Among the EMV's key tourism-related initiatives are development, management, and preservation of Jordan's tourist sites and facilities, launch of various types of tourist products and activation of the tourist investment initiative.
