DUBAI : In line with new directives issued by the UAE Central Bank, all banks are now required to shift customers to in-app authentication systems for both domestic and international transactions. The move is aimed at curbing rising cyber threats such as SIM swapping and phishing, which have increasingly targeted traditional OTP delivery methods.

The transition kicks off Friday, July 25, and will continue gradually, with a complete discontinuation of SMS and email OTPs mandated by March 2026. During this period, select customers may still receive OTPs via traditional channels, but banks are urging all users to update their apps and activate the new ‘Authentication via App’ feature.

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