The UAE’s ministry of finance (MoF) recently launched the e-dirham card charging service through MBME for collecting fees and payment services.

MBME is a leading supplier of kiosk based payment systems in the UAE.

The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) will be re-charging the e-Dirham cards in all MBME payment devices and electronic outlets across the Emirates, a press release said.

The launch of this service is based on the agreement signed between the MoF, MBME for payment and collection services, and NBAD last November, granting MBME the right to sell, charge and recharge e-cards of second-generation e-Dirham system through their electronic outlets and automated payment machines, the release added.

NBAD will provide all hardware, electronic and training programmes and technical support at all points of sale (POS) and electronic collection devices owned by MBME, in order to enable them to activate the use of e-Dirham- its payment portal.

According to Saeed Rashid Al Yateem, assistant undersecretary of resources and budget sector at MoF, the MoF is committed to expanding the e-dirham initiative through strategic partnerships, collaborations and integration efforts with federal, local and private agencies to support the transition to e-payment charges and collection along with the development of its services, using the latest and most secure e-payment methods.

Saeed Al Khoori, managing director for UAE government and VVIP clients at NBAD added that the partnership will enhance customer experience significantly and strengthen e-Dirham platforms.

MBME’s charging services will enable customers to buy e-dirham cards, recharge them, make payments, get vouchers and inquire about balance and transaction data along with other services. The kiosks will allow customers to charge their e-dirham cards for up to Dh20,000 per operation by depositing bank notes Dh10 to Dh1,000, the company said.

Through e-dirham, the federal government revenue collected exceeded two billion dirhams. The number of e-services in the system has increased by 10.7 per cent bringing it up to 10 million. Total e-dirham transactions have jumped up to more than 5.1 million achieving a growth of 24 per cent, while the number of e-cards sold in the region has increased up to 2 million cards, said the MoF.

The e-Dirham system also won Special Merit Award for Government to Business and Customer (G2BC) Engagement by Terrapin ME, the organiser of the 17th annual Cards and Payments Middle East. –TradeArabia News Service