Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 102 | Page 10

NEWS

Al Ansari Exchange integrates with Central Bank UAE through Aani app , eliminating use of IBAN

Ali Al Najjar

Al Ansari Exchange , the largest remittance and foreign exchange company in the United Arab Emirates , UAE , announced its partnership with Al Etihad

Payments , AEP , a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE , CBUAE . This is to elevate customer satisfaction through the utilisation of Aani , an instant payment platform aimed to revolutionise the digital payments landscape in the UAE .
This strategic partnership will allow all Al Ansari Exchange customers to enjoy simple , secure , and instant digital payments , such as money transfer , bill settlement and peerto-peer payments via the recipient ’ s mobile number , email or a QR code , instead of the usual exchange of long and complex International Bank Account Numbers , IBANs .
Additionally , Aani offers a comprehensive suite of advanced payment technologies , including Proxy Payments , QR-code-based payments , Request to Pay and Split Bills .
Ali Al Najjar , Chief Operating Officer at Al Ansari Exchange , said : “ With Aani , we are empowering our customers with a platform that offers convenience , security and speed in their digital payment transactions .
We commend the CBUAE and AEP for pioneering this initiative , which aligns with our shared goal of driving financial inclusivity and innovation in the region .”
By linking their accounts to the Aani app , Al Ansari Exchange customers can complete their transactions at any of the Al Ansari Exchange branches across the UAE or on the mobile app . Moreover , Aani will be integrated with Al Ansari Exchange WPS Payroll card and prepaid cards , providing customers expanded access to merchant payments and instant transfers to any bank account , cards and wallets in the UAE supported by Aani .
By introducing and integrating this platform into its services , Al Ansari Exchange demonstrates its proactive approach to delivering innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of its customers .

Statevolt Emirates to build battery cell gigafactory in RAK with expenditure of $ 3.2 billion

Statevolt , a global provider in green industrialisation , is announcing its plans to construct a new state-of-the-art , technology-agnostic battery cell , gigafactory in Ras Al Khaimah , UAE . With a capital expenditure of US $ 3.2 billion , Statevolt Emirates , as the UAE venture will be known , will mark a significant milestone in advancing technological innovation in the energy storage sector , ESS .

Working alongside various industry and community partners , Statevolt Emirates will implement its modular design approach , allowing for a faster route to market as well as a solution to diversify production based on technology readiness .
The Gigafactory is designed to set a new standard in battery technology with its superior safety and extended lifecycle , delivering battery solutions that are adaptable to a wide range of climates and conditions . The factory will start by producing semi-solid state battery cells , with the aim to move to solid state battery cells once the project reaches full capacity .
Under the leadership of entrepreneur Lars Carlstrom , who is deeply committed to green industrialisation and the creation of skilled jobs , Statevolt Emirates is set to lead the charge towards low-carbon energy solutions . The Gigafactory embodies Carlstrom ’ s vision of leveraging technological innovation for global energy transformation and local economic enhancement .
This ambitious project , with a site spanning 60 hectares in Al Hamra Industrial Zone in RAKEZ , is anticipated to generate up to 2,500 direct job opportunities , fostering significant economic development in Ras Al Khaimah and the surrounding region . Moreover , it aligns with the UAE ’ s strategic vision to become a hub for green technology and energy transition , reinforcing the country ’ s position as a provider in sustainable industrial development .
The Gigafactory is positioned to meet the surging global demand for energy storage solutions , crucial for stabilising the grid .
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