First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Mastercard have launched Mastercard’s mobile-first virtual card number (VCN) solution for businesses in the UAE, marking a regional first across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA). The solution enables enterprises and government entities to issue, manage, and use virtual corporate cards directly through mobile wallets, supporting secure, flexible, and contactless payments.
The mobile-first VCN solution is designed to modernise corporate payments by addressing rising demand for digital and contactless transaction capabilities. According to Mastercard, the platform helps organisations optimise cash flow, streamline expense management, and enhance accounts payable processes, while providing greater visibility and control over corporate spending.
Through the partnership, FAB is enabling businesses to generate virtual cards in real time for both online and in-store purchases, fully integrated with existing payment systems. Centralised controls and real-time oversight improve transparency, strengthen security, and support data-driven decision-making. The launch aligns with the UAE’s broader push toward sustainable, technology-enabled financial ecosystems, as mobile payment adoption continues to accelerate across the country.
Digital payment uptake is rising rapidly in the UAE, with Mastercard research indicating that 45 percent of companies are investing in mobile technology for B2B payments. The introduction of mobile-first virtual corporate cards positions FAB and Mastercard at the forefront of this shift, offering enterprises a scalable and future-ready payment solution.
