Business

UAE’s e& launches region’s first telco NFT collection

Published

4 years ago

May 26, 2022

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e& (formerly known as Etisalat Group) today announced launching its first set of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), marking a significant milestone for e& as the first technology and investment conglomerate in the Middle East to launch NFTs.

The inaugural set of NFTs will be distributed selectively, and the Group will be providing further updates as their plans for the NFTs progress. The launch batch of NFTs highlights e&’s commitment to advancing tech capabilities as the company’s blockchain arm crossed AED10 billion worth in transactions last year. It underpins the company’s vision to make a difference at every touchpoint by ideating and deploying best-in-class innovative solutions, harnessing advanced technologies, and maintaining its cutting-edge infrastructure.

Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO, e&, said, “The digital transformation that we are experiencing on all fronts will accelerate our quest to innovate. The metaverse is opening up several avenues for us to investigate the digital realm in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. At this defining moment in our journey, we are proud to leverage our legacy in blockchain-enabled tech to launch pioneering NFTs that allow us and our customers to explore the limitless potential that the metaverse holds.

“The NFTs designs were sourced in the UAE, where we are keen to support the local development of new products, technologies and solutions.This is a unique opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come as a company and to continue exploring what’s next on the horizon. We live in the renaissance of connectivity where we must capitalise on every opportunity that strengthens our continued leadership as the champion digital telco in a hyper-connected world.”

This milestone is one of the more recent successes that e& has seen in its current transformation journey as a global technology and investment conglomerate. e& has been instrumental in developing and bolstering the UAE’s strong telecoms infrastructure since its foundation 46 years ago. As e& transforms into a technology conglomerate and keeping in line with UAE’s digitalisation ambitions, it has combined its scalable technological competencies with its robust telecoms expertise, enriching the lives of customers and adding value to enterprises.

Etisalat Group has changed its brand identity to e&, effective from 23 February 2022. Its strategy aims to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model representing the Group’s main business pillars. The Telecoms business currently continues to operate led by Etisalat UAE in e&’s home market and by existing subsidiaries for international operations, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the Group’s various customer segments.

To enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates, e& enterprise focuses on maximising value through its end-to-end solutions in, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new mergers and acquisitions while maximising shareholder value and strengthening global presence.

Business

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

Published

6 hours 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

5 days 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.

Announcements

UAE’s Jaywan card can now be used for online shopping on thousands of websites

Published

2 weeks ago

July 21, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Online shopping with the UAE’s Jaywan card just got a major upgrade.

Network International has announced that Jaywan cardholders can now use their cards to pay on thousands of online stores connected to its payment gateway, expanding the domestic payment scheme beyond in-store purchases.

The move is expected to make online payments faster and more convenient while supporting the UAE’s push towards a cashless economy.

What is Jaywan?

Launched by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, Jaywan is the country’s domestic payment card scheme.

It was introduced to provide a secure local payment option, reduce transaction costs and strengthen the UAE’s digital payments ecosystem.

Until now, Jaywan cards were mainly accepted for in-store purchases. With the latest expansion, cardholders can also use them for online shopping across thousands of merchants powered by Network International.

What this means for shoppers

For UAE residents, the update means more flexibility when shopping online.

Whether you’re ordering groceries, booking services or buying products online, you’ll be able to use your Jaywan card anywhere that supports Network International’s payment gateway.

The company says the integration offers secure, fast and seamless online payments, while merchants won’t face additional charges for Jaywan transactions processed through its platform.

A step towards a cashless UAE

The expansion is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to accelerate digital payments and reduce reliance on cash.

By making Jaywan available both in stores and online, payment providers are helping create a more connected digital payment ecosystem for businesses and consumers alike.

As more banks, merchants and payment providers adopt the scheme, residents can expect to see Jaywan accepted across even more everyday payment services in the future.