UAE and China Launch First Cross-Border CBDC Payment Move
- The UAE and China create a real-time digital link that supports instant cross-border flow.
- The Jisr system builds a unified route that aids students, residents, and major firms.
- A new multi-scheme card joins domestic access with a wide international payment reach.
The UAE completed the first cross-border payment using central bank digital currency through the new Jisr network during a meeting in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed conducted the transaction in the presence of Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People’s Bank of China, and Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE.
This launch created an advanced payment link between the two nations, and it formed a foundation for new financial cooperation initiatives. It also created an instant channel for digital settlements that operate all day and support future expansion across more central banks by 2026. Could this development accelerate global moves toward fully interconnected digital payment systems?
Cross-Border Payment Link Begins a New Phase
The Jisr platform introduced a direct CBDC corridor between the UAE and China. The system aims to support faster transactions and reduce cross-border costs. It allows real-time settlement and removes common delays often seen in global banking.
During the launch event, Pan Gongsheng joined Sheikh Mansour and Governor Khaled to mark the first official payment. Their attendance showed the importance of this cooperation effort between the nations. The UAE confirmed that more central banks will join the network by 2026.
The UAE stated that this approach supports the country’s long-term goal of improving financial connectivity. The system also creates stronger economic links while supporting continuous settlement flows. Jisr’s structure includes digital currency platforms, interconnected payment systems, and consumer financial products.
Instant Payment Systems Form a Continuous Corridor
The interlinking of the UAE’s Instant Payment System with China’s Internet Banking Payment System created an all-day settlement route. This route supports secure transfers between users in both nations. It operates without interruptions and supports different real-world uses.
The corridor supports scholarship transfers for Emirati students studying in China. It also supports remittances for Chinese citizens living in the UAE. It further supports cross-border transactions between companies in both countries.
Several Emirati and Chinese commercial banks already participate in the Jisr framework. Their involvement strengthens liquidity between the two regions. The platform delivers lower settlement costs and helps resolve delays found in traditional systems.
Related: UAE Completes First Government Transaction Using Digital Dirham
Consumer Products Expand the Cooperation Strategy
The UAE also introduced the new Jaywan–UnionPay prepaid card. This product combines the UAE’s domestic card scheme with China’s global UnionPay network. It gives local users domestic processing and worldwide acceptance across more than 180 countries.
Transactions made inside the UAE are processed through Jaywan. When used abroad, the card connects to UnionPay’s international network. Lari Exchange supports the issuance of this multi-scheme product.
Saudi Arabia also joined MBridge, another cross-border CBDC project. An IMF note from 2024 reported that nearly two-thirds of countries in the Middle East and Central Asia are studying CBDCs. The IMF also stated that countries in the region view CBDCs as a way to expand financial inclusion and improve cross-border payments.
During the event, Sheikh Mansour said the initiatives reflect the strategic partnership between the UAE and China. He said the launch of Jisr, the linking of instant payment systems, and the new multi-scheme card create modern and secure tools that support seamless cross-border payments.
