GDRFA Dubai and Finance Department Accelerate Cashless Dubai Initiative
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) and the Dubai Finance Department have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the emirate’s digital payment initiatives. Consequently, the partnership aims to facilitate secure financial transactions, expand digital payment channels, and strengthen the ‘Cashless Dubai’ strategy.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, launched the strategy in October last year. The initiative seeks to increase the share of financial transactions conducted through digital channels in both government and private sectors to 90 percent by 2026. Additionally, it promotes innovation, enhances governance systems, and helps build a sustainable financial ecosystem, reinforcing Dubai’s global leadership in digital payments.
Strategic Collaboration for Secure Payments
His Excellency Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai Finance Department, described the MoU as “a model of institutional integration between government entities in pursuit of the vision of our wise leadership.” He emphasized GDRFA Dubai’s central role in promoting non-cash payments, noting, “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, said, “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.”
The MoU focuses on developing digital infrastructure, adopting the latest financial technologies, sharing knowledge between the two entities, and launching awareness campaigns to build public trust in digital solutions. Consequently, it supports Dubai’s transition toward a more sustainable and efficient economy.
Boosting Economic Growth Through Innovation
Amina Mohammed Lootah, Director of Digital Payment Systems Regulation, highlighted that the MoU reflects Dubai’s approach to pioneering government partnerships rooted in innovation and trust. She praised GDRFA Dubai’s role in raising community awareness about the importance of adopting diverse and secure digital payment methods.
Lootah stated, “High-level cooperation between Dubai government entities under the umbrella of the Cashless Dubai strategy will contribute to boosting economic growth by adding no less than AED 8 billion ($2.176 billion) annually to the emirate’s economy, through the development of a wide range of innovative fintech services and by accelerating the growth of the fintech sector in Dubai.”
Overall, this collaboration exemplifies Dubai’s commitment to innovative government partnerships, strengthening public trust, and consolidating its position as a smart city that offers an ideal environment for work, life, and prosperity.
