botim money expands Mastercard partnership as UAE advances toward cashless payments
botim money has broadened its collaboration with Mastercard as the digital payments provider enters the next phase of its card issuance programme in the United Arab Emirates. The expansion is intended to support a more digital-first payments experience and strengthen the platform’s long-term development roadmap.
The new phase builds on more than two years of Mastercard card issuance through botim money. According to the companies, the updated arrangement is designed to improve payment experiences while widening the number of ways customers can use the card for everyday spending and financial services.
A key feature of the botim money card offering is that it does not require a minimum salary, which allows eligibility for a broader segment of UAE residents. The cards continue to operate within standard service frameworks, positioning the product as a more accessible option in a market where digital financial inclusion remains a priority.
Dr Tariq Bin Hendi, Board Member at Astra Tech and CEO of botim, said card payments are now part of daily life for people living and working in the UAE, adding that access must be “reliable and inclusive by design.” He said the expanded collaboration with Mastercard would help the company deliver more reliable, digital-first payment experiences to a wider group of residents while providing a long-term platform for product improvements.
The development comes as the UAE continues to accelerate its shift toward cashless payments. In Dubai, authorities have set a target for cashless transactions to make up 90% of all payments by the end of 2026. The broader eligibility model adopted by botim money is aligned with that transition and reflects the growing importance of digital payment infrastructure in the country.
Gina Petersen-Skyrme, SVP and Country Manager for UAE and Oman at Mastercard, said the partnership combines Mastercard’s global network with botim money’s digital platform to enable seamless payment experiences built on trust.
The announcement highlights the continued momentum behind card-based digital payments in the UAE, where financial institutions and technology platforms are working to expand access and support national cashless ambitions. For botim money, the expanded Mastercard deal appears to strengthen its position in a competitive payments market by deepening its product offering and extending reach across a wider customer base.
Industry Analysis
The expansion of the botim money-Mastercard partnership underscores how UAE fintech providers are adapting to a rapidly digitising payments environment. By removing the minimum salary requirement, botim money is targeting a broader population segment and supporting the wider adoption of formal digital payment tools. This could help accelerate usage among residents who may not qualify for more traditional card products.
More broadly, the move reflects the UAE’s continued push toward a cashless economy, with payment accessibility and inclusion becoming central themes in the market. Partnerships between fintech platforms and global payment networks are likely to remain important as the country works toward higher levels of digital transaction adoption over the coming years.
