AANI UAE is an instant payment platform operated by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE. It allows eligible users to send and receive money using a mobile number, email address or QR code instead of depending on complicated bank details. AANI supports 24/7 payments and transactions can be processed in less than 10 seconds. Availability and account linking depend on participating banks and licensed payment service providers.
What Is AANI UAE?
AANI is a modern instant payment platform developed for payments within the UAE. It is operated by Al Etihad Payments (AEP) and offered to customers through licensed financial institutions and payment service providers. The service is designed to make everyday money transfers faster and simpler by allowing users to identify recipients through a mobile number, email address or QR code.
Unlike a traditional transfer where users may need to enter an IBAN or other banking information, AANI provides a more convenient payment experience. It supports person-to-person transfers, merchant payments and Request to Pay features. AANI is also available through its dedicated mobile application, while some participating banks can integrate AANI functions directly into their own mobile banking applications.
AANI UAE Main Features
One of the biggest advantages of AANI is its real-time payment experience. According to Al Etihad Payments, transactions can be processed in less than 10 seconds and the service operates 24/7. Users can transfer money using a mobile number or email address, while QR payments provide another convenient option for merchants and customers.
AANI also supports Request to Pay, which can be useful when you want another person or customer to send you a specific amount. For merchants, AANI can simplify payment collection through QR codes or merchant identifiers. The platform is intended for domestic UAE payments, with transfers currently made between eligible accounts held with licensed institutions in the UAE and in AED.
How to Register for AANI UAE – Step by Step
Step 1: Check AANI Availability With Your Bank
The first step is to check whether your UAE bank or payment service provider supports AANI. AANI is delivered through participating licensed financial institutions and payment service providers, so the exact registration process can differ from one institution to another. Contact your bank or check its official mobile application to see whether AANI enrollment is available for your account.
Step 2: Open Your Bank’s Mobile App
Log in to your official banking application and look for an AANI, instant payment or payment services option. Some financial institutions integrate AANI directly into their existing apps, so you may not need to use a separate application. If your bank provides a separate enrollment process, follow the instructions shown inside the official banking app.
Step 3: Complete AANI Enrollment
Your financial institution must enroll you on AANI with your consent before you can start using the service. Once enrollment is completed, you can download the official AANI application if required. A simple registration and authentication process is then used to connect your eligible payment account.
Step 4: Verify Your Details
During registration, you may need to authenticate your identity through your bank or payment provider. Depending on the institution, this can involve an OTP, PIN, biometric authentication or another security method. Make sure the mobile number or identification details connected with your financial institution are correct before completing the setup.
Step 5: Link Your Payment Account
After successful authentication, your eligible payment account can be linked with AANI. Al Etihad Payments states that multiple payment accounts can be linked to the AANI application when the relevant institutions have enrolled the customer using the same mobile number or ID.
Download AANI App
How to Send Money Using AANI
Step 1: Open AANI and Select Transfer
Open the AANI application or the AANI section within your participating bank’s mobile application. Select the option for sending or transferring money. You can then choose the available payment method depending on the recipient, such as mobile number, email address or QR code.
Step 2: Enter the Recipient Details
Enter the recipient’s registered mobile number or email address, or scan their AANI QR code. Before proceeding, carefully check the recipient information shown on the screen. This simple verification can help prevent mistakes when making an instant payment.
Step 3: Enter the Payment Amount
Enter the amount you want to send in UAE dirhams. Review the amount carefully before continuing. AANI is designed for fast domestic payments, so users should double-check transaction details before authorising the transfer rather than assuming that an incorrect payment can simply be cancelled.
Step 4: Confirm and Authorise
Review the recipient and payment amount, then authorise the transaction using the security method requested by your bank or payment provider. AANI states that payments require authorisation through security methods such as biometrics or a PIN. (Al Etihad Payments)
Step 5: Check the Transaction Status
After authorisation, the payment is processed through the instant payment infrastructure. AEP says AANI provides a 24/7 real-time payment experience and transactions can be completed in less than 10 seconds. Keep the transaction confirmation or reference details until you are sure the payment has been received.
How to Request Money Through AANI
AANI is not limited to sending payments. Its Request to Pay feature allows users and businesses to request a specific payment from another person. You can create a payment request using the available AANI functionality, provide the required amount and send it to the intended recipient. The recipient can then review and authorise the payment through their supported AANI service. (Al Etihad Payments)
How AANI QR Payment Works
AANI also supports QR-based payments. Customers can scan a merchant’s AANI QR code and review the payment information before authorising the transaction. This can be particularly useful for shops and small businesses because customers do not necessarily need to manually enter lengthy banking information. AANI also supports merchant payments through participating financial institutions and payment service providers.
AANI UAE Fees and Charges
AANI itself does not publish one universal fee applicable to every customer. According to Al Etihad Payments, fees and charges are determined by the individual licensed financial institution or payment service provider offering AANI services. Therefore, users should check their own bank or payment provider for the latest applicable charges and terms before making transfers.
Is AANI UAE Safe?
AANI uses authentication before payments are authorised, including methods such as biometrics or PIN. However, users should still verify the recipient carefully before confirming an instant payment. If an account appears compromised or an unauthorised payment has been initiated, AEP advises users to immediately contact their licensed financial institution or payment service provider.
For additional practical guides on online services and digital tools, you can also explore these related Copyglue articles:
- How to Apply for Passport Online in India – Complete Step-by-Step Guide Using Passport Seva
- LPG eKYC Online 2026: Indane, Bharat Gas & HP Gas KYC
- GPS Area Measurement App: Measure Land, Distance & Area Using Your Phone
- KSmart Apps: Empowering Kerala’s Local Self-Government Services at Your Fingertips
- Nammude Keralam – Kerala’s Official Digital Services
AANI UAE vs Traditional Bank Transfer
The biggest difference is convenience. AANI allows eligible users to initiate payments using a mobile number, email address or QR code, while traditional transfers often require banking details such as an IBAN. AANI is designed for real-time domestic payments and operates 24/7, making it particularly useful for everyday transfers, merchant payments and quick payment requests.
Table of Contents
Final Verdict
AANI UAE provides a convenient way to make domestic payments without always needing to enter traditional banking details. Mobile-number payments, email transfers, QR payments and Request to Pay make the service useful for both individuals and businesses. Since availability, enrollment and fees can depend on the participating financial institution, users should always check their own bank or payment provider for the latest instructions. For official information, refer to AANI – Al Etihad Payments.
