News

Visa Partnership Takes X Closer Toward Musk’s “Everything App” Vision

The real-time payment service will launch in the US later this year, as the platform evolves into a Western equivalent of China’s WeChat.

Published

3 weeks ago

January 29, 2025

Nour Nasir

visa partnership takes x closer towards musk's everything app vision

X is taking another step toward becoming an “everything app” by partnering with Visa to introduce a real-time payment service known as the X Money Account. The news marks a significant milestone in Elon Musk’s vision for the platform, which has been evolving since his $44 billion acquisition in 2022.

According to X CEO Linda Yaccarin, the new feature will enable users to make peer-to-peer payments via an in-platform digital wallet. The transactions will link to users’ debit cards, allowing them to send money to others or transfer funds to their bank accounts.

Visa confirmed the partnership in its own announcement, stating that X Money will leverage Visa Direct, the company’s instant transfer service. Initially, the feature will be available only in the US, with no details yet on whether it will expand internationally.

Yaccarino described the Visa deal as a “milestone for the Everything App” and hinted at more major announcements for X Money in the near future.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

Musk’s ambition to create a super app has been well-documented. Even before acquiring Twitter, the billionaire frontman of SpaceX and Tesla had spoken about turning it into a Western equivalent of China’s WeChat — a single platform combining messaging, video, streaming, and payments.

However, entering the financial services space is a risky undertaking for X, putting it in direct competition with other tech heavyweights such as Apple, Google, and Meta.

Finally, as X moves forward with its payment service, it remains to be seen how the platform will navigate regulatory challenges and competition. Whether Musk’s long-standing dream of an “everything app” will materialize is still uncertain, but this partnership with Visa signals a determined step in that direction.

News

Yango Ride Expands Corporate Transport Service In Abu Dhabi

Known as Yango Rides for Business, the solution aims to simplify business travel management for companies operating across Emirates.

Published

19 hours ago

February 18, 2025

Nour Nasir

yango ride expands corporate transport service in abu dhabi

Yango Ride, a global ride-hailing service under the Yango Group, has extended its corporate transport solution, Yango Rides for Business, to Abu Dhabi. Initially launched in Dubai in 2024, the company is now expanding in a bid to simplify business travel for companies operating between both Emirates.

Yango Rides for Business offers a streamlined way to handle employee transportation through a single platform. Instead of dealing with the hassle of prepayments or reimbursement claims, businesses will be able to consolidate all ride expenses under a single corporate account that’s billed monthly. The setup makes it easier to track spending while ensuring expenses remain fully tax-deductible.

A key advantage of the service is its flexibility, allowing managers to set ride permissions and budget limits for employees and clients. Businesses can tailor transport solutions based on team needs — whether for daily commutes or specific travel requirements. Additionally, a dedicated account management system provides real-time analytics, enabling firms to monitor usage patterns and optimize costs.

Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Middle East, highlighted the importance of this expansion, explaining: “Abu Dhabi’s 4.5% economic growth in Q3 2024 reflects a thriving business environment where seamless mobility is essential for productivity. Yango Rides for Business simplifies corporate transportation, reducing administrative tasks and optimizing costs. By providing a centralized solution, we help companies ensure smooth employee travel experiences, supporting efficiency and growth in this dynamic market”.

Also Read: Dubai Teams Up With Elon Musk’s Boring Company For “Dubai Loop”

Meanwhile, Ivan Kaplunovich, Head of Yango Rides for Business, emphasized the benefits of the service, adding: “Today’s businesses need to balance cost efficiency with flexibility in a fast-changing environment. Yango Rides for Business gives companies a seamless way to manage corporate transportation — from controlling expenses and booking rides to simplifying billing and generating custom reports. With this level of flexibility, businesses can stay focused on growth, innovation, and delivering value”.