Dubai: Emirates and flydubai have entered into two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Dubai Finance (DOF) to further digital payment initiatives and promote the ‘Dubai Cashless Strategy’ among international tourists. This move aims to solidify Dubai’s position as a global digital economy hub.
According to Emirates News Agency, with over 18.7 million tourists visiting Dubai in 2024, the cash-reliant traveler segment represents a significant potential for digital payment adoption. The agreements were signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Hamad Obaidalla, flydubai’s Chief Commercial Officer, alongside Ahmad Ali Meftah, Executive Director of the Central Accounts Sector at DOF. The ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director-General of DOF, accompanied by senior executives from Emirates Group and flydubai.
Adnan Kazim stated that Emirates’ strategic partnership with DOF offers a significant opportunity to accelerate digital payment adoption across Dubai’s tourism ecosystem. By leveraging their combined expertise and infrastructure, the partnership supports Dubai’s cashless vision and contributes to D33 Agenda ambitions by enabling digital-first tourism. Emirates aims to promote Dubai’s cashless ecosystem internationally, encouraging millions of visitors each year to embrace secure digital solutions from the moment they book their tickets.
Hamad Obaidalla highlighted that the collaboration with DOF is a pivotal step in advancing the Dubai Cashless Strategy. flydubai is committed to adopting digital-first solutions, enhancing the travel experience for millions of international visitors choosing Dubai annually. By simplifying cashless payments, flydubai aims to improve customer convenience and contribute to Dubai’s vision of becoming a leading global hub for digital innovation and economic growth.
Ahmed Ali Muftah emphasized that the partnership with Emirates and flydubai is a significant milestone in implementing the Dubai Cashless Strategy. It will expand digital payment adoption among the wide segment of visitors that Dubai attracts annually. Strengthening smart and secure payment channels consolidates Dubai’s position as a global destination for digital tourism and an innovation-driven economy.
Amna Mohamed Lootah noted that Emirates and flydubai play a key role in driving positive change in Dubai’s travel sector. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovative financial solutions and enhances the smart tourism experience, supporting a seamless, secure, and sustainable financial environment.
The collaboration will leverage DOF’s connections to government departments and both airlines’ substantial digital payment expertise. Emirates and flydubai conduct a significant percentage of their global business through digital transactions. The MoUs aim to enhance collaboration across technical know-how and best practices for cashless solutions within the travel and tourism ecosystem.
The partnerships will target tourists and travelers planning their stay in Dubai by improving and making the digital payment experience more inclusive. The carriers and DOF will explore joint marketing campaigns to increase visitor awareness and offer diverse digital solutions like contactless payments.
The Dubai Cashless Strategy, launched last year, aims to achieve 90 percent cashless transactions across government and private sectors by the end of 2026. The initiative is projected to boost economic growth by more than AED8 billion annually through innovative financial technology services and is part of Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33) to drive fintech innovation and competitiveness.
