H.H. Sheikh Hamdan praises progress of Dubai Cashless Strategy

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has praised the progress of the Dubai Cashless Strategy, with cashless transactions now accounting for 90.1 per cent of all transactions in the Emirate.

Launched by His Highness in October 2024, the strategy had an initial target to reach 90 per cent by 2026, with the current result exceeding its target by 0.1 per cent. 

The Digital Enablement Index for the government sector reached 100 per cent, reflecting the availability of digital payment methods across institutions and businesses.

Meanwhile, the community happiness index reached 90.1 per cent, compared with the 90 per cent target.

Sheikh Hamdan commended the combined efforts of the government and private sectors that contributed to this achievement.

He affirmed that the strategy reflects the success of Dubai’s model, which includes "expanding the use of technology and innovation to serve people and enhance economic competitiveness". 

Hamdan bin Mohammed: The Dubai Cashless Strategy reflects the success of Dubai’s model, which is built on a clear vision, integrated roles between the government and private sectors, and the expanding use of technology and innovation to serve people and enhance economic… pic.twitter.com/eia9DrCneN

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 9, 2026

The strategy’s final report, presented by Dubai Finance (DOF) to the Dubai Strategic Affairs Council, highlighted the Emirate's rapid progress in establishing an integrated digital payments ecosystem across all sectors. 

The report showed that cashless payment initiatives contributed more than AED 8 billion to the emirate’s economy.

The strategic roadmap achieved strong results across the strategy’s three pillars, with 97 per cent achieved in governance, 95 per cent  in society, and 93 per cent in innovation.

The cashless transactions index is based on a range of key sources, including data from the Central Bank of the UAE, Transguard, payment acquirers, international payment networks, Dubai Finance, and relevant government entities in Dubai.