The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) and the Dubai Finance Department have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance digital payment initiatives as part of the emirate’s ‘Cashless Dubai’ strategy.
The agreement aims to enhance secure, efficient financial transactions and broaden digital payment channels across government services.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, launched this strategy in October last year.
It aims to increase the share of financial transactions carried out through digital channels in both the government and private sectors to 90 percent of all transactions, and to achieve full digital enablement at 100 percent across the emirate by the end of next year, 2026.
The strategy also supports innovation and governance systems and contributes to building a sustainable financial ecosystem that strengthens Dubai’s position among the world’s top five cities in adopting digital payments.
HE Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh Director General Department of Finance Dubai
“The MoU with GDRFA Dubai is a model of institutional integration between government entities in pursuit of the vision of our wise leadership. We are moving forward with strengthening the adoption of non-cash payments in line with the goals of Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), by contributing to the creation of an advanced and secure payment environment across both public and private sectors—an environment that supports the national economy and meets the needs of individuals and businesses.”
For his part, His Excellency Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, affirmed that, “We regard this partnership with the Department of Finance as a strategic step that reflects our commitment to the ‘Human First’ approach, by providing smart, secure financial services that simplify people’s lives and support their aspirations. Enhancing the digital payment ecosystem is not merely about technological development; it is an investment in the future of Dubai as a globally leading city in innovation and digital readiness.”
GDRFA Dubai-Finance Department partnership to enhance secure, smart payment ecosystem
The GDRFA Dubai-Finance Department MoU focuses on developing digital infrastructure, adopting the latest financial technologies, and exchanging knowledge and expertise between both parties, in addition to launching awareness campaigns that build public trust in digital solutions and support the transition toward a more sustainable and efficient economy.
Amina Mohammed Lootah, Director of Digital Payment Systems Regulation, noted that the MoU reflects the Government of Dubai’s approach to building pioneering government partnerships rooted in innovation and strengthening trust between government entities and customers.
This GDRFA Dubai-Finance Department MoU embodies Dubai’s approach to building pioneering government partnerships rooted in innovation and reinforcing trust between government entities and customers, thereby consolidating the emirate’s position as an integrated smart city that provides an ideal environment for work, life, and prosperity.
