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Central Bank of UAE develops e-KYC platform

ABU DHABI, 15th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) announced the development of the nationwide unified Know

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Central Bank of UAE

Central Bank of UAE develops e-KYC platform

ABU DHABI, 15th April, 2026 (WAM) — The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) announced the development of the nationwide unified Know Your Customer (eKYC) platform, following the signing of a technical partnership agreement with the global technology company Norbloc AB.

This strategic initiative constitutes a core pillar of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme, which aims to build an integrated financial ecosystem that enhances operational efficiency. It also reflects the CBUAE’s commitment to modernising regulatory frameworks and adopting advanced digital solutions.

The platform will address challenges arising from the duplication of customer due diligence processes, reduce compliance costs, and strengthen financial stability and competitiveness, further reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in the global digital financial landscape.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, and Ahmed Saeed Al Qamzi, Assistant Governor for Banking and Insurance Supervision at the CBUAE.

The agreement was signed by Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the CBUAE, and Astyanax Kanakakis, Chief Executive Officer of Norbloc AB, in the presence of senior officials from both sides.

The new platform will enhance the efficiency of “Know Your Customer” and “Know Your Business” (KYC/KYB) processes, as well as due diligence requirements through automated workflows and the integration of trusted data sources. This will strengthen compliance and ensure alignment with anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) frameworks.

Underpinned by a robust privacy by design technology, the platform enables secure data sharing strictly based on explicit customer consent, ensuring the highest standards of confidentiality, data protection, and trust across the financial system.

It introduces a unified national approach that supports both financial institutions and fintech companies, delivering a faster and more reliable digital onboarding experience for individuals and businesses, while substantially reducing turnaround times and operational costs.

This project represents a key milestone in the digital transformation of the UAE’s financial sector. Future phases will focus on expanding the platform’s capabilities and deepening its integration with relevant stakeholders, supporting the development of an advanced and sustainable digital financial ecosystem.

The initiative underscores the CBUAE’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to enhance governance, deliver customer-centric financial services, support ease of doing business, and further cement the UAE’s position as a hub for innovative digital regulatory infrastructure.

“The development of the e-KYC Platform represents a strategic transformation towards a more efficient and resilient financial ecosystem,” said Al Dhaheri. “Through this platform, we are enabling the sector to move away from resource-intensive traditional processes towards progressive digital models that accelerate access to financial services and reduce operational costs.”

He added that CBUAE aims to enhance efficiency and establish a financial environment characterised by transparency and the protection of customer privacy, in a way that reinforces the UAE’s competitiveness as a leading global financial centre.

Kanakakis stated, “By leveraging advanced technologies, we will enable financial institutions to access trusted and secure data in real time from multiple sources, enhancing operational efficiency while adhering to the highest international standards. It also empowers users with full control over the management of access to their data.”

  • By Adnan Al-Jaziri
  • 3 min read
BRIDGE Alliance announces November 28

BRIDGE Alliance announces November 28 as launch date for second edition of BRIDGE Summit on Yas Island for five days

ABU DHABI, 13th April, 2026 (WAM) — The BRIDGE Alliance announced that the second edition of the BRIDGE Summit will be held from 28th November to 2nd December 2026, relocating its venue to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi in partnership with Miral Group, with the summit extended to five days, Emirates News Agency mentioned today.

This was announced during the Board of Directors meeting of the BRIDGE Alliance, chaired by Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed. The Board reviewed the outcomes of the first edition and the position it established for the summit as the largest global platform bringing together leaders and elite figures from the media, content, cultural, and creative industries across all their components, alongside decision-makers and investors, within a unified platform that enables more effective and integrated opportunities and partnerships worldwide.

The meeting addressed a wide range of topics related to planning for the BRIDGE 2026 Summit, which will witness a qualitative transformation in its structure and mechanisms. This includes transitioning from an annual event model to a year-round sustainable platform based on specialised tracks that address challenges facing the media sector, expanding partnerships, and launching practical initiatives that support responsible innovation—thereby establishing BRIDGE as a global reference for credibility and professional collaboration.

Abdullah Al Hamed affirmed, during his speech at the alliance’s third meeting, that the upcoming BRIDGE 2026 Summit will not be a mere continuation of previous editions, but rather a qualitative leap on three levels. The summit will move to Yas Island, offering a larger space that reflects the expansion of its agenda and ambitions; it will extend to five days instead of three, allowing innovation more time to flourish; and its content will focus on the creative economy, information integrity, and empowering future generations to shape a media landscape that not only conveys news but creates opportunities.

He emphasised that the goal is to transition from momentum to institutionalisation, from dialogue to execution, and from gathering voices to unifying efforts. He noted that BRIDGE serves as a bridge that brings together geopolitical contrasts at one table and unifies global ambitions under one roof.

The Chairman of the Alliance highlighted that the next phase of BRIDGE represents a decisive shift from the logic of an event to that of a system, and from seasonal activity to a long-term institutional project that redefines the role of media within the equation of development, economy, and knowledge.

For his part, Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, Vice Chairman of the BRIDGE Alliance, affirmed that the new updates to the BRIDGE Summit reflect the UAE’s transition from supporting the media, content, and entertainment economy to engineering its operational platforms. He noted that BRIDGE represents one of the most significant practical models in this sector, and that the second edition will focus on deepening the quality of professional engagement through structured mechanisms that connect investors, producers, media and technology platforms, content creators, and innovators within a unified platform that facilitates the development of business models, co-production, and expanded access to regional and global markets.

The meeting witnessed in-depth discussions among alliance members, who contributed rich ideas and perspectives, reflecting a shared understanding that the second edition of the BRIDGE Summit carries greater responsibility than the first. The focus is no longer on proving the concept, but on amplifying its impact and transforming the momentum generated by the first edition into a deeply rooted institutional path capable of withstanding the test of time.

Discussions emphasised the importance of ensuring that the upcoming summit serves as a platform for decision-making, not merely dialogue, and that it delivers measurable and actionable outcomes reflecting the true weight of the institutions under the alliance.

  • By Amira Khalil
  • 4 min read
Al Tayer Motors is launching Shelby

Al Tayer Motors is launching Shelby for UAE performance car buyers today

Al Tayer Motors is launching Shelby in the UAE, bringing a major new option for performance car buyers across the country. The move gives local drivers direct access to Shelby models through a trusted automotive group with a strong national footprint. For collectors and enthusiasts, this launch adds a simpler path to owning rare American performance cars with local support and service.

The new agreement links Al Tayer Motors with Shelby Middle East under an exclusive retail and service partnership. Through this deal, customers will gain access to Shelby-modified Ford performance vehicles across Al Tayer Motors showrooms and service centres. The first vehicles will begin arriving in September, with the Shelby Mustang Super Snake expected to lead the early rollout.

This matters because the UAE already has a strong demand for premium vehicles with heritage, identity, and strong road presence. Shelby fits that space well. The brand carries deep roots in American performance culture and holds lasting appeal among muscle car fans worldwide. With this launch, buyers in the UAE will no longer need to rely on difficult overseas routes to experience the brand.

“Shelby is an iconic name in high-performance motoring, and we are excited to bring these vehicles to motoring enthusiasts in the country,” said Ashok Khanna, Chief Executive Officer at Al Tayer Motors. “As a company deeply committed to delivering exceptional automotive experiences to our customers, partnering with Al Najdiyah General Trading to represent Shelby vehicles aligns perfectly with our vision.”

In the UAE market since 1982

Al Tayer Motors also brings a major advantage through its broad local network and experience in premium automotive retail. The company has served the UAE market since 1982 and represents major global automotive brands. Its reach across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah gives Shelby a stronger foundation from the start. That reach should help buyers feel more confident about ownership after the sale.

A major part of the value lies in after-sales support. Customers will receive access to genuine Shelby parts, certified Shelby performance upgrade programmes, and dedicated performance specialists. For many buyers, this support is as important as the vehicle itself. High-performance ownership becomes more attractive when service, maintenance, and technical guidance are available through a known local network.

The Shelby Mustang Super Snake will likely draw the most attention during the launch phase. The model already holds a strong status among enthusiasts who follow iconic American performance cars. Its mix of design, power, and name recognition gives it natural appeal in a market that values standout vehicles. The arrival of Shelby trucks should also create interest among buyers looking for a different kind of performance statement.

“Our partnership with Al Tayer Motors in the UAE marks the first step in our broader vision to establish and grow the Shelby brand across the Middle East,” said Yousef Alsulaiman, CEO, Al Najdiyah General Trading (Shelby Middle East). “This is more than introducing high-performance vehicles. It is about building a long-term presence. Our priority is not only to deliver the exceptional cars and trucks that define Shelby, but also to ensure our customers receive world-class service, full warranty support, and an ownership experience that reflects the strength of the brand.”

Al Tayer Motors brings trust, infrastructure, and customer reach

This launch also strengthens the market position of Ford performance vehicles in the UAE. Shelby vehicles are built on Ford platforms, yet deliver a more exclusive and more focused driving experience. That connection will likely resonate with enthusiasts who already appreciate Ford’s performance heritage and want something more distinctive.

For fans of UAE muscle cars, the timing feels important. Buyers want not only power, but also peace of mind. They want specialist support, parts access, and a clear ownership path. Al Tayer Motors is launching Shelby with those needs in mind, which gives the partnership more depth than a simple showroom addition.

The broader significance is clear. The UAE performance segment continues to value strong brands with real legacy and local service credibility. Shelby brings emotional weight, collector appeal, and proven character. Al Tayer Motors brings trust, infrastructure, and customer reach. Together, they create a more complete offer for drivers who want bold American performance cars without compromise.

As I see it, this launch should attract both serious collectors and new buyers entering the segment for the first time. The mix of heritage, support, and product excitement gives Shelby a promising entry into the next stage of the UAE market. When the first vehicles arrive in September, many eyes will be on the Shelby Mustang Super Snake and the wider line-up that follows.

  • By Mariam Al-Yazidi
  • 4 min read
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