Dubai Finance has announced that the Dubai Cashless Strategy has exceeded its key targets ahead of its two-year timeframe.
Launched in October 2024 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the strategy reached a cashless transactions index of 90.1 percent against a 2026 target of 90 percent.
The Digital Enablement Index for the government sector hit 100 percent, reflecting the availability of digital payment methods across institutions and businesses. The community happiness index reached 90.1 percent, also above its 90 percent target.
The final report, presented to the Dubai Strategic Affairs Council, said cashless payment initiatives contributed more than AED8 billion to the emirate’s economy. Across the strategy’s three pillars, 97 percent was achieved in governance, 95 percent in society and 93 percent in innovation.
Government cashless collections reached 99.66 percent in the first half of 2026. Dubai Finance has established more than 70 strategic partnerships with government entities and private businesses, and its strategic accelerators were 95 percent complete by the end of the first half.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Free Zones Council, said the progress strengthens Dubai’s appeal as a global destination for business, investment and tourism. Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai, said the results show how well ambitious economic plans and government policy work together.
Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director-General of Dubai Finance, said the next phase will focus on sustaining the results, widening digital solutions and deepening partnerships with the public and private sectors.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
