UAE's Ministry Of Finance and National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to launch the second generation of E-dirham (G2 E-Dirham). G2 E-Dirham, an expansion of the current system, provides a range of additional services with high levels of security and convenience.
The system achieves its mission by adopting the latest technologies and offering a world-class, secure and effective payments & collection methods. In addition, it offers new payment channels and methods for the best coverage as an integral electronic payment system in UAE. Moreover, it is connected to other international payment networks, which opens the doors for positive competition & improves service quality to take the country to a world-class level in electronic payment & collection methods.
G2 E-Dirham provides many new payment & collection services such as payment and collection of collection of government & non-government services fees, payment of bills and fines, E-commerce & Internet Payment, and paying via mobile phone (m-payment). The system provides the facility to top up through different accredited and outlets channels that include; NBAD ATMs, direct debit from bank account, mobile phone.
In addition to new services, G2 E-Dirham incorporates services provided by the existing e-dirham system such as e-Stamp for enterprises and printing offices, e-Registration for Bank guarantees for all banks operating in UAE, e-Guarantee of Ministry Of Labor, e-Amanat, system of Amanat account of Ministry Of Economy, and e-Attestation of Ministry Of Foreign
“Signing this memorandum of understanding with NBAD to launch G2 E-Dirham comes as a part of our continues efforts to upgrade the e-services to the public dealing with the government sector, which is a major goal in its strategy within the federal government strategy to satisfy the public,” said His Excellency Younis Haji Al Khoori, the Undersecretary of MOF.
“Public satisfaction is one of the major indicators of performance that MOF relies on in its strategic orientation,” he added. Al Khoori stressed the importance of the agreement in cementing partnership between private and public sectors.
“Since MOF is in charge of implementing the financial policies related to economic development in the country, it contributes primarily in the execution of UAE vision to achieve a fine government performance through its efforts to develop and implement modern financial and technical systems in the government sector” he explained.
“G2 E-Dirham is a step forward towards reaching our goals. The various cards will meet the needs of various market segments. Also, offering a variety of channels will simplify the electronic payment process and positively enforce the aim to improve electronic services.” Al Khoori confirmed.
“This agreement further demonstrates NBAD’s continuous efforts to provide the best banking services and products to its customers,” said Mr. Saif Al Shehhi, Senior General Manager, Domestic Banking Division, NBAD.
“NBAD, The Number One Bank in the UAE, offers a unique platform for G2 E-Dirham as it enjoys a wide base of clients, a 86 branches network that spreads all over the UAE, and 271 ATMs in addition to its firm infrastructure for the e-banking services” he explained.
“Being selected by the MOF to be a strategic partner in launching for G2 E-Dirham confirms the high status achieved by NBAD in all areas of banking particularly in the field of e- banking services where market is reliant on these services”. “It also reflects the importance of strengthening cooperation between private and government sectors in the UAE, which will help effectively in consolidating and establishing economic growth of the UAE” Al Shehhi concluded.
NBAD has selected STS, a regional e-payment provider, as a partner for the implementation and administration of the G2 E-Dirham.
Mr. Ramzi Al Zain, Executive Chairman, STS said: “We are very proud of our new partnership with NBAD to implement and operate G2 E-Dirham in the UAE”. “We are committed to work with NBAD and MOF and to provide highest standard of services that reflect our expertise in this field” he added.
The diverse payment channels provided by the new system meet the needs of individuals as well as governmental and non-governmental entities. These channels include prepaid cards and prepaid smart cards, credit cards, E-debit, E-Kiosk, and E-Voucher.
Magnetic prepaid cards are obtainable with values ranging from AED 100 to AED 2000, and could be recharged with AED 5000 as maximum through ATMs & payment machines of the new system, accredited channels & outlets, NBAD’s ATMs or via direct transfers from bank account or mobile phones. These cards will be issued with PIN codes and used for internet payments and cash withdrawals. They can be obtained from NBAD branches across the UAE, other banks and other banks and accredited outlets and sell points.
The prepaid smart cards have no limits for recharge value. In order to get this card, a registration is required either through NBAD branches or accredited outlets. These cards are issued with PIN codes for internet payments and cash withdrawals. Additional features of the card include technical support thought phone and internet for various purposes such as requests for statement of account, password change, suspending card … etc.
NBAD will provide its customers with credit cards that combine the features and functionalities of both credit cards & E-Dirham cards all in one card.
Besides, the system provides the service of direct debit from bank account, where service fees will directly debited from customer’s bank account. Payments may also be made through credit cards, cash deposit machines, internet, electronic kiosks and mobile phone.
Along with plastic cards, the G2 E-Dirham system will provide a one-use electronic vouchers with limited validity ( maximum of 24 hours from issuance) and with limited amounts up to AED 2500 as maximum.
The system’s support services include toll-free call centre of G2 E-Dirham enhanced with IVR for queries, card termination, PIN change as well as the internet payment gateway, where customers can apply for cards, make queries, account statement requests, change PIN, SMS alert services and more.
