Frequently asked questions

General

What is Ziina?

Ziina is the UAE’s first peer-to-peer payment app, allowing you to send and receive payments with just a phone number —no IBAN or swift code required. The app provides a seamless way for friends and family to split the cost of takeout or a grocery bill.

What does Ziina mean?

In Arabic, “Ziina” translates to “ornament” or “thing of beauty.” At Ziina, we embrace this meaning, reflecting our mission to create an empowering financial experience for everyone. Just like a thoughtfully placed ornament enhances beauty in the world around us, Ziina enhances your financial life by making transactions simple, secure, and social. Isn’t that beautiful?

Do I have to live in the UAE to use the app?

Ziina is currently available to UAE residents on iOS and Android. You don't have to be in the UAE to use the app, but at the moment you can only create a Ziina account if you have a valid Emirates ID.

We are working on a number of new features, including cross border payments that will open up the app to more users in the future!

How do I register for Ziina?

You can register for Ziina with a UAE mobile number. You will be prompted to enter your Emirates ID information to set up your account.

Can I transfer money to my bank from the app?

To cash out funds from Ziina to your bank account:

  1. Tap “Your wallet balance” from the Ziina home screen
  2. Press “Cash out”
  3. Enter an amount or tap “Cash out all” and press “Continue”
  4. Enter your IBAN number and “Beneficiary Name”
  5. Review information and press “Confirm & Cash Out”

Are there any limits on withdrawals?

The minimum amount you can withdraw and transfer to your bank is AED10.

Security

Is Ziina safe to use?

Ziina is licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE. All of your most important information is encrypted so that it is kept safe and only in your hands. Ziina also uses real time fraud monitoring to ensure that all transactions are legitimate.

Payments & Requests

Are there any fees for sending or receiving money?

You can find out about the fees Ziina charges by visiting our Fees page.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, and Mastercard.

How fast is the money transfer?

When you send a payment through Ziina, your money is transferred instantly.

What’s the most money I can send using Ziina?

You can send up to AED 25,000 through Ziina every month. The monthly limit for receiving money is AED 50,000.

You can accept the following currencies with ZiiLinks:

  • Euro (EUR)
  • US Dollar (USD)
  • British Pound (GBP)
  • UAE Dirham (AED)
  • Indian Rupee (INR)
  • Qatari Riyal (QAR)
  • Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
  • Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
  • Omani Rial (OMR)
  • Saudi Riyal (SAR)

To enable international currency support on ZiiLinks:

  1. From the home screen, tap ‘New Invoice’
  2. On the ‘Customize payment link’ screen, scroll down to ‘Support international currencies’
  3. Toggle it on to activate it instantly

There is a low additional fee of 1.5% for transactions made in non-AED currencies, which are settled in AED. This fee is to cover the currency conversion costs.

Currency conversions are calculated based on the current market exchange rate at the time of each transaction, ensuring accurate and fair pricing.

What currency do I receive if a customer pays in international currency?

All international payments are conveniently settled in AED. This means no matter which currency your customers pay in, you'll receive your funds in AED.

Accounts

How can I change my Ziiname?

To change your Ziiname:

  1. Tap your profile icon on the Ziina home screen
  2. Select Profile Info
  3. Select Ziiname
  4. Update your Ziiname and press Change

How can I change my mobile number?

To change the mobile number associated with your account:

  1. Tap your profile icon on the Ziina home screen
  2. Select Profile Info
  3. Select Phone Number
  4. Enter your number and press Next
  5. Enter your verification code to confirm your new number

Does the recipient need a bank account?

The recipient does not need a bank account to receive a payment through Ziina. They will have to connect their bank account in order to cash out their money from Ziina.

How do I close my account?

To permanently close your Ziina account:

  1. Tap your Profile icon from the Ziina home screen
  2. Press Profile Info
  3. Press Close Account
  4. Follow the steps listed to close your account

Account Restrictions FAQ

Why is my account restricted?

Sometimes we need to place temporary restrictions on an account for security or compliance reasons. This is a standard procedure to keep you protected and to ensure Ziina meets regulatory requirements.

Common reasons include:

  • Regulatory requirements: We’re required to keep account documentation accurate and up to date. If something is missing, expired, or needs re-verification, your account may be temporarily restricted.
  • Account activity reviews: We regularly review activity to make sure it meets Ziina’s security standards and regulatory obligations. We may also check that activity matches your profile to help prevent fraud, protect your account, and better understand your business.
  • Technical or system checks: In rare cases, restrictions may happen due to system updates or maintenance. These are temporary and usually resolved quickly.

Most restrictions are precautionary and do not mean there is a problem with your account. Our team will complete the review as quickly as possible and let you know if we need anything from you. For more details, please see our Terms & Conditions.

What happens when my account is restricted?

If your account is restricted, some services will be temporarily unavailable. You may not be able to make payments, withdraw funds, or add new payment methods until the review is complete. You’ll still be able to log in and view your account information and balances. Once the review is complete, full access will be restored.

What should I do if my account is restricted?

If your account is restricted, here are the best next steps:

  • Check your email and the Ziina app: We’ll send you a notification with clear guidance.
  • Complete any required forms: This usually takes only a few minutes.
  • Upload requested documents: These may include, among other things, proof of identity, proof of address, bank statements, or proof of income or business activity.
  • Provide complete and accurate information: Submitting everything upfront helps us resolve the restriction faster and avoids follow-ups. Failure to provide required documentation may result in account termination.
  • Watch for updates: We’ll keep you informed by email as your case is reviewed.
  • Contact support if needed: You can reach us anytime through in-app chat. We’re here to help.

How long does the review take?

Most reviews are completed within 2 to 7 business days once we have all the required information. We’ll keep you updated along the way and work to resolve your case as quickly as possible.

What happens after the review?

Once the review is complete, we’ll update you right away.

  • If everything is cleared: Restrictions are lifted immediately, and you’ll get confirmation in the app and by email.
  • If we find something that needs attention: We’ll explain the outcome and guide you through the next steps. In some cases, this may include withdrawing or holding funds for up to 120 days and closing your account.

What happens if my account is terminated?

In rare cases, we may need to terminate an account. As outlined in our Terms & Conditions, Ziina reserves the right to determine whether a user’s conduct is appropriate and complies with the Agreement. If not, Ziina may terminate or deny access to the platform and its services. If your account is terminated, we’ll notify you immediately. In some cases, we may also provide advance notice in line with regulatory requirements. Termination means you will no longer be able to use your Ziina account for payments, transfers, or other services. What happens next depends on the outcome of our review:

Immediate release of funds If there is no ongoing risk (such as disputes or fraud), any available funds may be released to you right away in a final settlement.

Delayed release of funds or refund to original payers When an account is terminated, we may need to hold funds for 45-120 days to cover potential chargebacks or disputes. If transactions are identified as fraudulent or carry a high risk of disputes, we may instead process refunds to the original payment source. The appropriate approach depends on your specific situation, and we'll contact you to discuss the best option in line with our Terms & Conditions. Once any holding period ends, remaining funds will be released to your linked account. Ziina may also be required by law or regulators to withhold, delay, or release funds in line with applicable regulatory instructions.

How do I report issues and provide feedback?

You can reach Ziina support at any time through our social media platforms or by contacting us on support@ziina.com.