Dubai has announced its long-term vision to become a fully cashless city, aiming to shift all payments across public and private sectors to digital platforms. The strategy, first introduced in October 2024, was reinforced on May 16, 2025, when Dubai Finance and DIFC signed a partnership agreement to support the initiative. The plan focuses on driving digital adoption citywide through banking apps, credit cards, and emerging payment technologies.
The goal is for 90 percent of all transactions to be cashless by 2026, which could contribute over AED 8 billion annually to economic growth. The strategy includes workshops to help businesses transition and prioritizes innovation in areas such as AI-powered payment solutions and contactless systems. It also ensures tourists, residents, and workers benefit from greater convenience and efficiency.
Ultimately, Dubai aims for every store to accept digital payments, making cash increasingly obsolete. The city’s leadership envisions placing Dubai among the world’s top five cashless economies. The broader plan also ties into the city’s real estate, education, and transportation strategies discussed by The Executive Council.
