Emirates NBD partners with GCAA for fully automated H2H payment platform

Emirates NBD has announced a partnership with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to implement a Host-to-Host (H2H) payment platform that will fully automate and secure all digital payment transactions carried out by the Authority.

Developed by Emirates NBD’s Transaction Banking Services, the H2H platform will enable the GCAA to manage payments to aviation clients, suppliers, and partners both locally and internationally through instant, internet-based connectivity. The solution replaces manual processes with a streamlined, paperless system aligned with the UAE’s digital transformation strategy.

The initiative is one of the first full integrations of an H2H system within a UAE federal entity and marks a key milestone in supporting the government’s goals of digital innovation, zero bureaucracy, and enhanced operational efficiency.

Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, said: “Emirates NBD’s partnership with the General Civil Aviation Authority is another example of key stakeholders seeking out our trusted expertise as leaders in financial technology. Through the integration of our H2H platform within the GCAA’s payments infrastructure, we’re enhancing business operations and helping to accelerate the Authority’s ongoing strategy of digitisation, optimisation, and innovation.”

Omar Bin Ghaleb, Deputy Director General of the GCAA, said: “As part of our continuous efforts to enhance the digital infrastructure of the Authority and streamline services for greater efficiency, we are constantly seeking innovative solutions that align with our strategic goals. Our partnership with Emirates NBD marks a significant step forward, enabling us to achieve greater efficiencies across our payments ecosystem and supporting the growth of the UAE’s aviation industry.”

The partnership follows extensive planning, testing, and systems integration between Emirates NBD and the GCAA. It will allow the Authority to achieve higher automation, security, and transparency across all transactions, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a regional leader in smart government services.