Emirates and flydubai have signed two MoUs with Dubai Finance (DOF) to support the emirate’s digital payment initiatives and promote the Dubai Cashless Strategy among international visitors.
With more than 18.7 million tourists visiting Dubai in 2024, cash-dependent travellers remain a significant opportunity for digital payment adoption.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said:
“Emirates’ strategic partnership with DOF represents a significant opportunity to accelerate digital payment adoption across our tourism ecosystem. By leveraging our combined expertise and infrastructure, we’re supporting Dubai’s cashless vision and directly fuelling D33 Agenda ambitions by enabling the business case for digital-first tourism that creates seamless visitor experiences.”
Amna Mohamed Lootah, Director of Digital Payments Regulation Division at DOF, added:
“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.”
The collaboration will draw on DOF’s links with government departments and the airlines’ extensive experience in digital transactions.
Emirates currently operates 14 payment gateways, while Skywards, the joint loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubhai, functions as a fully digital currency for earning and redeeming rewards.
The agreements will facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices in cashless payment solutions within the travel and tourism ecosystem.
They also include provisions for workshops, training sessions, and the evaluation of payment adoption trends to inform strategic planning.
Initiatives under the MoUs will target visitors to Dubai, aiming to make the digital payment experience more inclusive and accessible.
The partners will explore joint campaigns to raise awareness, introduce incentive programmes that encourage digital payment adoption, and develop a wider range of contactless and digital solutions for travellers.
Launched in 2024, the Dubai Cashless Strategy aims to achieve 90% cashless transactions across public and private sectors by the end of 2026.
The initiative is expected to contribute more than AED 8 billion annually to economic growth through financial technology innovation, aligning with the goals of Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33) to strengthen fintech competitiveness and deliver seamless, secure digital payment experiences across all sectors.
Featured image credit: Emirates
