Visa and Emirates NBD appoint settlement agent for local UAE dirham transactions
Dubai, UAE — April 30, 2026 — Visa announced the appointment of Emirates NBD as its National Net Settlement Service (NNSS) Agent in the UAE to streamline domestic settlements in dirhams (AED). The partnership enables Visa transactions to clear and settle locally, cutting processing times and supporting the UAE’s expanding digital payments market.
Announcement Specifics
Emirates NBD will act as Visa’s NNSS Settlement Agent, handling domestic Visa transactions settled directly in AED via a UAE-based system. The scope covers local payments and enhances operational efficiency for merchants requiring faster fund access. Transaction volumes and implementation timelines remain undisclosed.
Stakeholder Perspective
“We are pleased to serve as Visa’s NNSS Settlement Agent for settlements.”
— Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD
Why it matters: This appointment reinforces Emirates NBD’s position as a critical infrastructure provider in the UAE’s payment ecosystem, enabling merchants to access funds more rapidly.
Industry Context
The UAE fintech sector continues to thrive as a leading MENA hub, with Dubai at the forefront of payment innovation. Visa’s NNSS expansion addresses the growing demand for faster payment processing amid rising card usage across the Emirates. The move follows a pattern of deepening collaboration between Visa and Emirates NBD, including previous Visa Direct launches that established the foundation for real-time payment capabilities.
Local AED settlements eliminate foreign exchange risks and reduce processing delays, delivering tangible benefits to both consumers and businesses. By enabling domestic transaction processing, the partnership positions the UAE ahead of regional competitors in real-time payment infrastructure. This development complements existing initiatives focused on instant cross-border remittances and digital wallet integration, creating a comprehensive payments ecosystem that supports the nation’s economic diversification goals.
The appointment solidifies Emirates NBD’s fintech leadership while accelerating the UAE’s digital economy growth trajectory. As card penetration increases and e-commerce expands, localized settlement infrastructure becomes essential for maintaining the Emirates’ competitive advantage in financial services.
Conclusion
The Visa-Emirates NBD partnership is expected to drive broader adoption of local currency settlements across the UAE market, improving payment efficiency for businesses and consumers while strengthening the country’s position as a regional fintech leader.
Sources: Fintech News Middle East, GDN Online, Emirates NBD
