Image Credit: Dubai (WAM)
Dubai: Emirates and flydubai have signed landmark agreements with Dubai’s Department of Finance (DOF) to accelerate the city’s journey toward becoming a fully cashless economy, with a strong emphasis on international visitors.
The two carriers inked separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that will expand digital payment options for tourists from booking their flights to spending across the city. The agreements are aligned with the Dubai Cashless Strategy, which targets making more than 90 percent of all payments in government and private sectors fully digital by the end of 2026.
Driving seamless travel experiences
Dubai welcomed over 18.7 million international visitors in 2024, many of whom still relied heavily on cash transactions. Officials see the shift to digital payments as both an untapped growth opportunity and a way to streamline the visitor experience.
Under the new partnerships, Emirates and flydubai will:
- Promote the adoption of secure, cashless transactions for tourists.
- Enhance payment options via their websites and mobile apps.
- Encourage the use of contactless payments throughout the travel journey.
- Launch awareness campaigns to educate visitors on Dubai’s digital ecosystem.
Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates, said the collaboration will “help create a seamless, secure and cash-free journey from the moment visitors book their flight to when they explore the city.”
Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, noted that the move will “make digital payments simpler and more accessible for millions of passengers flying to Dubai every year.”
Boosting Dubai’s digital economy
The initiative also supports the D33 economic agenda, with the Cashless Strategy projected to generate more than AED 8 billion annually through enhanced financial efficiency, convenience, and transparency.
Ahmed Ali Meftah, Executive Director at DOF, stressed the importance of the collaboration: “Encouraging tourists to use digital payments is integral to Dubai’s future economic model and strengthens the city’s position as a global hub for innovation.”
Tourists will gain from:
- Widespread acceptance of cards and contactless payments at retail, dining, and leisure outlets.
- Integrated digital ticketing and spending through airline platforms and local services.
- Educational initiatives to familiarise them with Dubai’s digital systems.
Airlines already ahead
Both airlines are already leaders in digital transactions. Emirates operates across 14 online payment gateways and its loyalty programme, Skywards, functions as a fully digital rewards currency. Flydubai has similarly advanced digital infrastructure, making the transition for visitors smoother.
Next steps
The MoUs outline collaborative efforts such as:
- Sharing best practices and technical know-how.
- Exploring incentives to drive digital adoption.
- Testing new solutions via workshops and pilot programmes.
These measures are expected to cement Dubai’s ambition of becoming one of the world’s most advanced digital economies, while offering tourists a smoother, safer, and more efficient travel experience.
