From July 25, UAE banks will stop sending one-time passwords (OTPs) via SMS for online transactions and related banking services.
Customers will instead be required to verify transactions using their bank’s official mobile app, where they must approve transactions directly within the application.
This shift comes in response to updated regulations from the Central Bank of the UAE, which are designed to improve security across digital banking platforms.
Banks have started notifying customers about the change, encouraging them to either download or update their mobile banking applications to ensure seamless access.
Several banks have confirmed that SMS-based OTPs will be replaced by in-app authentication systems for verifying digital transactions.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank stated: “From July 25, 2025, SMS OTPs used to authorise online transactions will be replaced by ‘SmartPass’.”
Bank of Baroda’s UAE division announced it will implement in-app notifications to provide enhanced security and a smoother user experience. Customers are advised to activate the Bob World App and enable in-app alerts.
