A sweeping campaign to accelerate electronic transactions across Dubai’s public and private sectors is now underway, as officials press ahead with plans to dramatically reduce the use of physical currency in the emirate.
Under the Dubai Cashless Strategy, authorities are targeting a sharp rise in digital transactions, with projections indicating that cashless payments could make up about 90 percent of all transactions by the end of the year. The broader objective is to embed digital payment systems across government entities and commercial establishments, shifting everyday financial activity away from banknotes and coins.
The initiative, first introduced in October 2024 after a session of the Executive Council chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, sets out an ambition for Dubai to rank among the world’s five leading cashless cities. The strategy envisions a financial ecosystem where residents, businesses and visitors can complete payments electronically with ease.
Officials have emphasized that the move does not eliminate money itself, but rather transitions transactions to digital channels such as banking applications, credit cards and other electronic platforms. Contactless systems and artificial intelligence-powered solutions are also expected to play a growing role, broadening the range of payment options available.
Dubai Finance has launched an extensive awareness and promotional drive to support implementation, aiming to make up to 90 percent of transactions across both government departments and private companies digital by the end of 2026. The campaign is designed to encourage adoption among consumers, merchants and service providers while strengthening infrastructure for secure and efficient processing.
Several partnerships have already been formalized to support the transition. A memorandum of understanding between the Dubai Finance Department and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai is intended to expand digital payment channels and enhance financial transaction systems. The collaboration is expected to influence how residents and visitors settle fees for services such as visa applications and renewals.
Tourism-related entities are also being drawn into the shift. Emirates and flydubai have entered into agreements with Dubai Finance to promote electronic payments among international travelers who traditionally rely on cash. Through targeted initiatives, the airlines aim to make digital transactions more accessible and convenient for visitors during their stay in the city.
In 2025, Dubai International Financial Centre joined forces with Dubai Finance to organize specialized workshops to assist businesses in adapting to the new framework. The partnership includes the introduction of AI-driven initiatives designed to support employees, tourists and the wider community as digital payments become more deeply embedded in daily life.
Authorities anticipate that the transition could generate significant economic gains, with estimates suggesting that increased digital adoption may contribute more than Dhs8 billion annually to economic growth.
Beyond payments, the Executive Council session where the strategy was first unveiled also addressed wider policy directions, including real estate planning, educational development and the future of transportation in the emirate.
