Dubai, UAE — Astra Tech has officially rebranded its fintech platform PayBy to ‘botim money’, consolidating its financial services under a unified, consumer-facing brand linked to its flagship communication app, Botim. This strategic move aims to simplify access to financial services across the region and align with the UAE’s transition toward a cashless economy.
From VoIP to Fintech Ecosystem
Botim, originally launched as the UAE’s first free VoIP calling app, now boasts over 150 million users globally. The rebranding reflects the platform’s evolution into a broader fintech ecosystem designed to make transactions and financial management more accessible to users. Through the botim app, users can send and receive money locally and internationally, use prepaid cards, access micro-lending products such as ‘Send Now, Pay Later’, and invest in products including National Bonds and gold.
Dual Authorization and Business Solutions
Licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, Botim Money retains its dual authorization to operate as both a retail payment services provider and a stored value facility. The platform enables users to perform local and international transfers, access prepaid cards, lending products such as ‘Send Now, Pay Later’, and investment options including National Bonds and gold.
Additionally, Astra Tech has launched ‘botim money for Business’, a B2B solution offering payment infrastructure for regional enterprises, including secure salary disbursements, point-of-sale systems, and compliance with the Wage Protection System (WPS).
Supporting a Cashless Economy
The rebranding aligns with the UAE’s national push toward a cashless economy, supporting initiatives like the Dubai Cashless Strategy 2026 and the Central Bank of the UAE’s National Financial Inclusion and Literacy Policies Forum. Dr. Tariq Bin Hendi, Board Member at Astra Tech and CEO of botim, emphasized that botim money is more than just a new brand name; it’s a reflection of the company’s increasing commitment to financial inclusion and innovation at scale.
“We first earned the trust of millions through communication. Now, we are transforming that into financial value,” said Dr. Bin Hendi.
Reference: Arabian Business
