Business

UAE bank to phase out SMS OTPs, app-based authentication introduced for online transactions

Published

10 months ago

October 3, 2025

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A leading UAE bank will begin replacing SMS one-time passwords (OTPs) with a more secure, faster app-based authentication method for online transactions starting November 1.

Dubai-based Emirates NBD bank said customers will soon receive push notifications on their mobile devices prompting them to approve transactions directly in the ENBD X app, eliminating the need for codes sent via SMS or email.

The shift is part of a sector-wide transition mandated by the Central Bank of the UAE, which has instructed banks to fully phase out SMS and email OTPs by March 2026.

“App-based authentication is both faster and safer. It minimises the risk of fraud linked to SIM-swap attacks, SMS interception and phishing scams,” the bank said.

Rollout in phases

The first phase, beginning 1 November, will cover account transfers and low-value alerts, reportedly including transactions of Dh100 or less. Push-based approvals for debit and credit card transactions will follow in later phases.

The bank has urged customers to update the ENBD X app, enable push notifications and activate biometric login to ensure smooth access once the new system is in place.

Why the change matters

SMS and email OTPs have long been a target for cyber-fraud. Criminals often exploit weak telecom security or trick customers into sharing OTPs.
App-based authentication instead verifies transactions inside a secured app bound to the customer’s registered device, often requiring a fingerprint or facial recognition scan before approval.

Industry experts say the new process improves security, speeds up approvals and reduces reliance on SMS networks, which can sometimes be delayed or blocked, especially for overseas users.

What customers should do

Emirates NBD advises its customers to take these steps:

Download or update the ENBD X app.
Register their mobile device and enable push notifications and biometrics.
Ensure their contact details are up to date with the bank.
Familiarise themselves with fallback options, such as Smart Pass or customer support lines, in case they lose their device or face issues while travelling.

The bank warned that customers who do not activate in-app authentication may face delays or disruptions in processing online payments, including peer-to-peer transfers, international remittances and card-linked online shopping transactions.

Related Topics:AppAuthentication CashlessUAE DigitalBanking EmiratesNBD ENBDX FintechUAE OnlineSecurity

Michael Gomes

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

Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

Published

2 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

Business

No cash? No card? No problem: Now shop at Dubai Duty Free with crypto

Published

4 days ago

August 5, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Duty Free has become the first airport retailer in the Middle East to introduce Crypto.com Pay, allowing eligible UAE residents to pay for purchases using their Crypto.com accounts.

The new payment option is now available at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC/AMIA) and online at Dubai Duty Free’s website.

The rollout follows a strategic partnership signed between Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com in July 2025 and supports Dubai’s wider push towards a cashless economy under the D33 Economic Agenda.

How it works

For in-store purchases, shoppers simply select Crypto.com Pay at checkout, scan the QR code displayed at the counter using the Crypto.com app and approve the payment. The transaction is processed instantly, with Dubai Duty Free receiving settlement in UAE dirhams.

Online shoppers can also choose Crypto.com Pay during checkout, scan the QR code generated on the payment page and confirm the transaction through the Crypto.com app. Mobile users are redirected directly to the app before returning to complete their purchase.

Available for eligible UAE residents

The service is currently available to eligible UAE residents with a Crypto.com account. Payments are processed through Crypto.com’s regulated payment platform, with transactions settled in dirhams.

Dubai Duty Free said the launch expands its range of digital payment options, which already includes Apple Pay, Alipay and TerraPay, while offering customers another convenient way to pay.

The move also strengthens Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in digital commerce, with the emirate targeting 90 per cent of financial transactions to be cashless by the end of 2026.

Announcements

August fuel rates announced: UAE petrol prices go up

Published

1 week ago

July 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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UAE motorists will pay more at the pump from Saturday after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel prices for August 2026.

The revised rates, which take effect from August 1, are:

Super 98: Dh3.60 per litre (up from Dh3.40)
Special 95: Dh3.49 per litre (up from Dh3.29)
E-Plus 91: Dh3.41 per litre (up from Dh3.21)
Diesel: Dh3.80 per litre (up from Dh3.60)

The increase reverses July’s price reduction and comes after volatility in global oil markets during the past month.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel prices at the end of each month, with rates determined in line with movements in international oil markets.

The new prices will remain in effect throughout August 2026.