Astra Tech, the leading consumer technology holding group in the MENA region, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). This collaboration marks the launch of Aani, an advanced instant payment platform operated by Al Etihad Payments, aimed at transforming the landscape of digital payments in the UAE.

Aani stands out as an innovative solution, facilitating instant, secure, and seamless digital payments 24/7. Operated by Al Etihad Payments, this platform simplifies the payment process, allowing users to transfer funds instantly using only the recipient’s mobile number, email, or a QR code. Aani eliminates the need for complex IBANs, streamlining the user experience and contributing to the UAE’s vision of a cashless economy.

Abdallah Abu Sheikh, CEO and Founder of Astra Tech and Botim, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to lead the way in this remarkable advancement in payment technology. Our partnership with Al Etihad Payments signifies our dedication to driving innovation, fostering financial inclusion, and contributing to the UAE’s cashless economy initiatives. With PayBy driving Botim’s financial transactions, surpassing 2 billion transactions recently, this collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision for the Ultra app.”

The integration of Aani into the PayBy-powered Botim app makes it the first fintech platform to offer AEP’s Aani solution. This integration empowers Botim users with instant and secure number-to-number money transfers, setting a new industry standard for interoperability across all payment services.

Key features of Aani include Proxy Payments, QR-code-based payments, Request to Pay, and Split Bills, positioning it at the forefront of advanced payment technologies. Aani enables real-time account-to-account payments within the UAE, simplifying transactions for both consumers and businesses. Future plans for Aani include the introduction of QR code-based payments, direct debits, and e-cheques, further enhancing its versatility.

Users can easily activate Aani on Botim through three simple steps, enhancing the user’s ability to send and receive money directly into any recipient’s bank account. The platform also facilitates instant peer-to-peer transfers from wallets or bank accounts to any participant bank account using mobile numbers as identifiers.

Jan Pilbauer, CEO of AEP, emphasized the importance of this integration, saying, “At AEP, we are not only reshaping the paradigm of digital payments but also advancing the UAE’s vision of a society less reliant on cash. The integration of Aani with Botim will not only enhance the user experience but also reflects our dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.”

Astra Tech has positioned itself as a leading fintech player in the region, offering a comprehensive suite of digital financial services for both consumers and merchants through the Ultra app. The partnership with Al Etihad Payments further solidifies Astra Tech’s commitment to driving the transition towards a cashless economy in the UAE, showcasing its innovation, inclusivity, and security at the core of Botim’s fintech offerings. This collaboration cements Astra Tech’s legacy as a trailblazer in the fintech realm, contributing to the transformation of digital payments in the region.