The Transportation Authority in Ajman and Visa have signed a memorandum of understanding to install contactless payment terminals on Ajman's public buses — the first initiative of its kind in the UAE. The agreement is a key milestone in Ajman's smart mobility plan, which aims to move residents away from cash and toward seamless digital travel.
Contactless Payment Comes to Ajman Buses
Under the MoU, bus users in Ajman can now pay for their rides by tapping a Visa contactless credit or debit card, or any mobile device that supports contactless payment. The scheme removes the need to carry exact change and reduces physical contact at payment points — a priority that gained urgency during the pandemic and has since become a benchmark for modern transit networks.
Sami Ali Khamis AL Jallaf, Executive Director of the Public Transport and Licensing Corporation at the Transport Authority – Ajman, signed the agreement on behalf of the authority. Salima Gutieva, Visa's Vice President and Country Manager for UAE, signed on behalf of Visa. Omar Mohammed Lootah, Director-General of the Ajman Transport Authority, and Michael Berner, Head of Merchant Sales and Acquiring for Visa CEE ME & Africa, also signed.
Ajman's Smart Mobility Vision
Omar Mohammed Lootah stressed the strategic importance of digital payment adoption across Ajman's transport network. "The agreement will help the end use of digital payment in transportation in the Emirate of Ajman as a key point in the authority's approaches of smart sustainable urban mobility, enhancing the customer experience and making it not only smooth, but exceptional," he said.
The move is part of a broader push by Ajman to digitise public services and align with UAE-wide smart city goals, bringing the emirate's public transport infrastructure in line with international standards.
Visa's Global Contactless Mobility Expertise
Michael Berner highlighted Visa's track record in contactless transit projects globally. "Having implemented over 700 projects in different countries, we look forward to introducing the experience in contactless payments and mobility in Ajman soon," he said. "With the help of more safe, fast and convenient life and transport payment solutions we would like to contribute to the development of the future of seamless travel in Ajman and the UAE."
A Step Forward for UAE Public Transport
The partnership between Ajman Transport Authority and Visa represents a significant leap in improving public transport solutions across the UAE. By enabling contactless fare payment on buses, the initiative supports smart, green mobility and delivers a faster, more convenient commuter experience for thousands of daily riders.
