The Central Bank of the UAE has issued a directive banning all financial institutions from using WhatsApp Messenger and similar instant messaging platforms for customer communications, effective from April 17, 2026. This decision impacts all licensed banks, finance companies, and payment service providers in the UAE, aiming to mitigate risks associated with fraud, impersonation, and unauthorized data disclosure. Financial institutions are required to cease any current use of messaging apps for services, including sharing customer data and transaction confirmations. They must transition to secure channels such as mobile banking apps, online platforms, call centers, and physical branches. Institutions must confirm compliance and outline corrective measures by April 30, 2026, with non-compliance potentially leading to supervisory actions or financial penalties. Customers are advised to avoid using WhatsApp for any banking services and to rely solely on official banking channels for their financial transactions.