Emirates and flydubai have signed to Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Department of Finance (DOF). The agreements aim to accelerate the city’s ‘Dubai Cashless Strategy’, promoting digital payments among millions of international tourists visiting the emirate each year.
Emirates, flydubai and Dubai Finance unite to fast-track Dubai’s cashless future
The MoUs were signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial officer and Hamad Obaidalla, flydubai’s Chief Commercial Officer, with Ahmad Ali Meftah, Executive Director of the Central Accounts Sector at DOF.
The ceremony took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group and senior government officials.
Strengthening Dubai’s global fintech leadership
Adnan Kazim highlighted that the partnership would “accelerate digital payment adoption across Dubai’s tourism ecosystem,” directly supporting the city’s D33Agenda to drive fintech innovation.
Kazim said:
“With our global network, Emirates will promote Dubai’s cashless ecosystem internationally, encouraging millions of visitors to embrace secure digital solutions from the moment they book their ticket.”
Hamad Obaidalla added that flydubai‘s collaboration with DOF represents “a pivotal step” in enhancing the travel experience for international visitors.
Obaidalla noted:
“By making cashless payments simpler and more secure, we’re contributing to Dubai’s vision of becoming a leading global hub for digital innovation.”
Advancing the Dubai Cashless Strategy
Ahmed Ali Meftah of DOF said the partnership marks “an important milestone” in implementing the Dubai Cashless Strategy, which aims to achieve 90% cashless transactions across public and private sectors by 2026.
The collaboration will leverage DOF’s government connections and both airlines’ expertise in digital payment solutions. Emirates already offers 14 digital payment gateways and Skywards, its loyalty programme shared with flydubai, operates as a fully digital currency.
Joint initiatives will focus on educating tourists, offering incentives for cashless transactions and developing inclusive payment options like contactless systems.
Launched in 2023, the Dubai Cashless Strategy is expected to boost the city’s economy by over AED 8 billion annually through fintech services, positioning Dubai as a global model for digital-first economic growth.
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