As the UAE accelerates its shift toward a digital-first economy, financial platforms are expanding partnerships to meet rising demand for seamless, cashless transactions.

Against this backdrop, botim money, the financial services arm of Astra Tech’s Botim app, has deepened its collaboration with Mastercard to advance its card issuance strategy.

The renewed agreement builds on more than 2 years of Mastercard-backed card issuance and sets out a joint roadmap to expand payment solutions. It also establishes a longer-term framework for innovation across spending, payments, and broader financial services.

A key feature of botim money’s card program is accessibility. Cards are offered without a minimum salary requirement, widening eligibility across the UAE’s diverse resident base and aligning with established service standards. The approach aims to broaden everyday payment access and draw more users into the formal financial ecosystem.

“With card payments being part of everyday life for people living and working in the UAE, access needs to be reliable and inclusive by design,” said Dr. Tariq Bin Hendi, Board Member at Astra Tech and CEO of botim. “This expanded collaboration with Mastercard strengthens our ability to provide digital-first payment experiences to a broader segment of residents, while giving us a long-term platform to continue enhancing the card proposition.”

The partnership comes as Dubai targets 90% of all transactions to be cashless by 2026. By expanding access through a regulated digital-first card program, the collaboration positions botim money as part of the infrastructure supporting that shift.

“Our deepened agreement with botim money reflects Mastercard’s commitment to secure, scalable, and future-ready payment solutions,” said Gina Petersen-Skyrme, SVP and Country Manager for UAE and Oman at Mastercard. “By combining our global network with botim money’s digital platform, we’re enabling seamless payment experiences built on trust.”