Emirates and flydubai have signed Memoranda of Understanding with Dubai Finance to advance digital payment initiatives and strengthen the Dubai Cashless Strategy. The agreements were signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, along with senior executives from Emirates Group, flydubai, and Dubai Finance.
Dubai welcomed 18.7 million tourists in 2024, with a large segment still reliant on cash. This partnership targets those visitors, aiming to position Dubai as a leader in cashless tourism while supporting the emirate’s Economic Agenda (D33).
Boosting cashless adoption across tourism
The MoUs will enable collaboration in developing cashless solutions within the travel and tourism ecosystem. Emirates and flydubai will share expertise, run training sessions, and evaluate adoption trends to strengthen planning. Dubai Finance will connect the airlines with government entities to expand secure digital payment channels.
Emirates’ strategic partnership with DOF represents a significant opportunity to accelerate the adoption of digital payments across our tourism ecosystem. By leveraging our combined expertise and infrastructure, we’re supporting Dubai’s cashless vision and directly fueling D33 Agenda ambitions by enabling the business case for digital-first tourism, which creates seamless visitor experiences. With our global network, Emirates will also promote Dubai’s cashless ecosystem internationally, encouraging millions of visitors each year to embrace secure digital solutions from the moment they book their ticket. We hope what we are building today will become the blueprint that other major cities will follow,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer.
“Our collaboration with DOF is a pivotal step in advancing the Dubai Cashless Strategy. flydubai is committed to adopting digital-first solutions, and this partnership will allow us to further enhance the travel experience for millions of international visitors who choose Dubai each year. By making cashless payments simpler, more secure, and more accessible, we are not only improving convenience for our customers but also contributing to Dubai’s vision of becoming a leading global hub for digital innovation and economic growth,” added Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer of flydubai.
Driving innovation and financial sustainability
Emirates already operates 14 payment gateways and offers Skywards as a 100% digital loyalty currency, while a significant percentage of both carriers’ business is conducted digitally. The new collaboration will enhance visitor payment experiences through contactless solutions, incentives, and awareness campaigns.
“Our partnership with Emirates and flydubai represents an important milestone in the implementation of the Dubai Cashless Strategy. It will help expand the adoption of digital payments among the wide segment of visitors and tourists 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. It also reflects our commitment to accelerating the transition towards a cashless society that achieves the highest levels of efficiency and financial sustainability. We are confident that this collaboration will open new horizons for the adoption of advanced financial solutions, supporting the emirate’s sustainable economic growth,” said Ahmed Ali Muftah, Executive Director of the Central Accounts Sector at DOF.
“Emirates and flydubai play a key role in driving positive change in Dubai’s travel sector. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovative financial solutions, enhances the smart tourism experience, and supports a seamless, secure, and sustainable financial environment for all. We are dedicated to providing a seamless and secure financial environment for everyone, contributing to Dubai’s long-term financial sustainability and economic growth,” added Amna Mohamed Lootah, Director of Digital Payments Regulation Division at DOF.
Supporting Dubai’s long-term vision
The Dubai Cashless Strategy, launched in 2023, aims to achieve 90 percent cashless transactions across the government and private sectors by the end of 2026. The initiative is projected to generate over AED 8 billion annually through technology services, supporting fintech innovation and competitiveness under the emirate’s D33 Agenda.
