Connect with us

Business

Your bank will stop sending OTPs by SMS next week: Here’s what UAE customers must do now

Published

on

Spread the love

If you’re used to approving online card payments with a quick text message, it’s time for a change.

Several major banks in the UAE have started informing customers that SMS-based one-time passwords (OTPs) will be discontinued for online card purchases, with a full switch to app-based authentication from January 6, 2026.

Customers received text alerts this week explaining that OTPs will no longer be sent via SMS when shopping online. Instead, all card payments will need to be approved directly through the bank’s official mobile app.

Banks are urging customers to download, activate and keep their apps updated to avoid failed transactions once the change comes into effect.

Why banks are making the switch

The move is part of a wider push to improve digital security and fraud prevention. App-based approvals are considered safer than SMS OTPs, which can be vulnerable to SIM swaps, phishing attempts and message interception.

According to reports, this transition has been in motion for some time. Back in July 2025, UAE banks began gradually phasing out OTPs sent via SMS or email for electronic transactions and money transfers, replacing them with in-app verification methods such as push notifications and biometric approvals.

January 2026 marks the point where online card purchases will also become app-only.

What customers need to do

To avoid disruption when shopping online:

  • Download your bank’s official mobile app
  • Make sure your account is fully registered and activated
  • Enable notifications and in-app approvals
  • Update your contact details if prompted

Without the app, online card transactions may be declined once SMS OTPs are switched off.

If you haven’t logged into your bank app in a while, now’s a good time to start using it.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

Dubai property boom fuels ANAROCK’s Middle East expansion plans

Published

on

Spread the love

ANAROCK Group has announced a major leadership reshuffle as it looks to expand its footprint across the Middle East and Europe, with a strong focus on Dubai’s growing real estate market.

The independent real estate consultancy said the appointments come as the region enters a new phase of growth, driven by rising investor confidence, infrastructure expansion and increasing demand across residential and institutional real estate sectors.

New leadership appointments

Anuj Kejriwal has been appointed CEO, EMEA, while continuing his current role as Founding Partner and Head of Retail Advisory.

In his expanded position, Kejriwal will oversee the rollout of ANAROCK’s institutional advisory services across the Middle East, including capital markets, land services, consulting and valuation.

The company said Dubai will act as the launchpad for its wider regional expansion strategy before moving into broader European markets.

Meanwhile, Aayush Puri has been named CEO – Residential, Middle East and CEO of ANAROCK Channel Partner (ACP).

He will lead the firm’s residential business across the region while continuing to oversee the international operations of ANACITY, the group’s proptech and property management platform.

Focus on Dubai’s growth

According to ANAROCK, Dubai’s real estate market remains one of the key long-term growth drivers for the company, supported by strong economic fundamentals and sustained investor demand.

The firm also plans to hire senior local talent across consulting, residential and capital markets divisions as part of its expansion push.

Anuj Puri, Chairman of ANAROCK Group, said the leadership changes reflect the company’s commitment to strengthening its regional presence and capturing new cross-border opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets.

Continue Reading

Announcements

New women-focused platform launches in Dubai with regional expansion plans

Published

on

Spread the love

A new women-focused platform has officially launched in the UAE with ambitions to become one of the GCC’s leading ecosystems for female empowerment, entrepreneurship and community support.

FEMPOWERMENT was founded by Kirsten Jenna Michaels and Alexander Sailer and aims to support women through business opportunities, coaching, education and networking initiatives.

Launched in Dubai, the platform combines community events, business launch support, workshops, coaching programmes and large-scale experiences designed to help women grow personally and professionally.

At the centre of the initiative is the Women’s Business Launchpad, a programme created to help women set up and scale businesses in the UAE through partnerships with banking, licensing and business service providers.

Founder and CEO Kirsten Jenna Michaels said the platform was designed to move beyond traditional empowerment messaging and focus on creating real opportunities for women.

The platform also features tiered membership programmes offering access to networking events, certifications, workshops and coaching experiences, alongside promotional opportunities for female-led businesses.

Co-Founder Alexander Sailer said the long-term vision is to build a scalable ecosystem that helps women access funding, launch ventures and create sustainable growth opportunities across the region.

Alongside its business and networking focus, FEMPOWERMENT has also pledged to support social impact initiatives, including plans to provide meals for 1,000 labour camp workers in the UAE and contribute to healthcare and education-related causes.

The organisation plans to expand across the GCC and international markets as part of its broader growth strategy.

Continue Reading

Business

New DP World insurance protects cargo from conflict-related disruptions

Published

on

Spread the love

DP World has launched a first-of-its-kind cargo war risk insurance solution designed to help businesses navigate growing disruption across Middle East trade routes.

The new offering aims to solve a major challenge facing global shippers, as traditional war risk insurance has become increasingly expensive, fragmented and, in some cases, difficult to access amid ongoing regional tensions.

Unlike conventional policies that typically cover only one stage of a shipment’s journey, DP World’s solution provides continuous protection across the full supply chain, from ocean or air transit to port storage and inland delivery.

Coverage across the full journey

The insurance covers physical loss or damage caused by war-related risks, including conflict, civil unrest, seizure and derelict weapons. Valid claims will be settled with zero deductible, according to the company.

“This is about solving a real, immediate problem for global trade,” said Yuvraj Narayan, Group CEO of DP World.

“Supply chains don’t stop at the port or the shoreline, and neither should insurance.”

Key trade routes included

The programme is available to companies trading in or through the Middle East. It is designed to support supply chain continuity across major trade corridors, including the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and nearby inland routes.

Businesses can choose several coverage options, including:

  • End-to-end cargo protection across sea, air and land transit
  • Standalone ocean, air or land policies
  • Automatic port storage cover for up to 14 days
  • Coverage limits of up to $400 million per shipment

Lower premiums for businesses

DP World said it was able to secure more competitive pricing than standard market war risk premiums by leveraging its global scale and relationships across international insurance markets.

The move comes as businesses continue to face rising logistical risks, rerouting challenges and insurance costs linked to geopolitical instability across key global shipping lanes.

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/