Emirates and flydubai Partner with DOF to Advance Dubai Cashless Strategy

Emirates and flydubai Partner with Dubai Finance to Promote Cashless Travel in Support of D33 Agenda

Dubai, October 6, 2025 – In a strategic move to advance Dubai’s transition towards a digital economy, Emirates and flydubai have signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Department of Finance (DOF) to promote the Dubai Cashless Strategy. The initiative is aimed at encouraging secure digital payment adoption among millions of international visitors who travel through Dubai each year.

The MoUs were signed by Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates, and Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, alongside Ahmad Ali Meftah, Executive Director of the Central Accounts Sector at DOF. The signing took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, and His Excellency Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of DOF.

With over 18.7 million international visitors in 2024, the majority of whom still rely on cash, this partnership is designed to foster a seamless and secure financial environment that enhances the tourism experience and boosts economic impact.

Driving Digital Transformation in Tourism

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and CCO, 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 the D33 Agenda by enabling digital-first tourism that creates seamless visitor experiences.”

He added,

“With our global network, Emirates will 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’re building today will serve as a blueprint for other global cities.”

Hamad Obaidalla, CCO at flydubai, noted:

“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 enhance the travel experience for millions of visitors. By making cashless payments simpler, more secure, and more accessible, we’re supporting Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for digital innovation and economic growth.”

Government Perspective: Financial Sustainability Through Innovation

Ahmed Ali Meftah, Executive Director of the Central Accounts Sector at DOF, commented:

“Our partnership with Emirates and flydubai marks an important milestone in implementing the Dubai Cashless Strategy. It reflects our commitment to transitioning toward a cashless society that achieves financial efficiency and sustainability, while positioning Dubai as a digital tourism leader.”

Amna Mohamed Lootah, Director of Digital Payments Regulation at DOF, added:

“This partnership demonstrates the key role airlines play in driving financial innovation in the tourism sector. Together, we aim to provide a secure, seamless, and future-ready digital payment ecosystem that contributes to Dubai’s long-term economic growth.”

Key Focus Areas of the MoUs

The agreements set out several key areas of collaboration between Emirates, flydubai, and DOF, including:

• Sharing technical knowledge and best practices in cashless payment infrastructure

• Conducting workshops and training to encourage digital adoption

• Monitoring digital payment trends to inform future strategies

• Running joint awareness campaigns targeted at international visitors

• Launching incentive programs to promote digital transactions across services

Both Emirates and flydubai will also leverage their existing digital platforms—including Emirates’ 14 global payment gateways and Skywards, its fully digital loyalty program—to integrate and support the new initiatives.

Part of Dubai’s Vision for a Digital Economy

Launched in 2024, the Dubai Cashless Strategy aims for 90% of all transactions in public and private sectors to be cashless by the end of 2026. The initiative is projected to contribute more than AED 8 billion annually to Dubai’s economy and is a key component of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which promotes fintech innovation, digital competitiveness, and smarter tourism.

Through strategic partnerships like these, Dubai is rapidly positioning itself as a model global city for digital-first travel, economic resilience, and sustainable innovation.

About Emirates

Emirates is the world’s largest international airline, known for its award-winning service and expansive global route network. Based in Dubai, Emirates connects over 140 destinations across six continents and remains a leader in customer-centric innovation and operational excellence.

About flydubai

flydubai is a Dubai-based airline committed to opening up new travel opportunities across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. With a focus on affordability, innovation, and customer experience, flydubai plays a key role in supporting Dubai’s aviation and tourism growth.

About Dubai Department of Finance (DOF)

The Department of Finance manages the financial resources of the Government of Dubai, leading initiatives that ensure fiscal sustainability, innovation, and economic efficiency. Its role in the Dubai Cashless Strategy is central to enabling the emirate’s transition into a cashless economy.