This move is significant for the UAE's payment landscape, as AEP plays a crucial role in developing the country's national payment infrastructure. With over 24 years of experience in financial services, Al Ramli is well-equipped to lead AEP's efforts in increasing the adoption of its payment platforms.
Al Ramli's experience in the financial sector is extensive, having previously worked at Al Hilal Bank, where he was responsible for driving the bank's digital transformation as Chief Digital Officer. Prior to this, he was the CEO of Emirates Digital Wallet, a position that saw him lead a payments initiative involving 16 banks to promote financial inclusion and support the UAE's transition to a cashless economy. His tenure at Mashreq also saw him head the Digital Banking and Innovation department, where he oversaw the launch of Mashreq Neo and Mashreq NeoBiz.
AEP's National Payment Platforms
AEP's instant payment platform, Aani, has seen significant growth, with 14.7 million enrolled users in 2026 and over 192 million transactions worth AED 545 billion. The company has also begun issuing Jaywan cards through financial institutions across the UAE and has partnered with major payment networks, including Mastercard and UnionPay International, to support its national payments infrastructure. These partnerships are crucial in expanding the use of AEP's platforms across the country.
As the new CEO of AEP, Al Ramli's priority will be to increase the adoption of AEP's payment platforms and help financial institutions develop services that meet customer needs. He aims to achieve this by working closely with financial institutions and fostering strong partnerships. According to Al Ramli, his ambition is for AEP's platforms to become an integral part of daily life for individuals and businesses across the UAE. He believes that this can be achieved by providing reliable infrastructure, building strong partnerships with financial institutions, and offering services that give customers a compelling reason to use them.
What the Future Holds for AEP
The appointment of Al Ramli as CEO marks an exciting new chapter for AEP. With his extensive experience and expertise in the financial sector, he is well-positioned to drive the growth and development of AEP's national payment infrastructure. As the UAE continues to transition towards a cashless economy, the role of AEP and its payment platforms will become increasingly important. Al Ramli's leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of payments in the UAE and ensuring that AEP's platforms remain at the forefront of this transition.
- Aani has 14.7 million enrolled users
- Aani processed over 192 million transactions worth AED 545 billion in 2026
- Jaywan cards are being issued through financial institutions across the UAE
In the coming months and years, it will be interesting to see how AEP's payment platforms continue to evolve and grow under Al Ramli's leadership. With the UAE's payment landscape continuing to shift towards digital payments, AEP is well-positioned to play a key role in this transition. As the company continues to expand its national payment infrastructure, it is likely that we will see increased adoption of AEP's payment platforms across the country.
