Dubai Goes Cashless: 90% of Transactions to Be Digital by 2026

Dubai is making a bold leap into the future of finance by announcing the Dubai Cashless Strategy, aiming for 90% of all transactions to be digital by 2026. From government services to everyday shopping, the city is preparing to say goodbye to coins and notes, fully embracing a cashless economy.
The shift is already well underway. 97% of government payments in Dubai are digital, reflecting the city’s rapid adoption of fintech solutions. The new strategy will accelerate this momentum, incorporating AI, contactless payments, and even cryptocurrency into the financial ecosystem.
Experts project that this transition could boost Dubai’s economy by over AED 8 billion annually, thanks to increased efficiency, security, and innovation in the payments sector.
By becoming one of the world’s first major cities to go predominantly cashless, Dubai is not just following global trends but setting the benchmark for the future of money. With its strong infrastructure, forward-thinking policies, and appetite for innovation, the city is redefining how financial transactions are made in the modern world.