Dubai’s Big Shift: Citywide Plan to Go Fully Cashless by 2026

Dubai is on its way to being one of the leading cashless cities worldwide, with a firm goal to move all transactions online by 2026. According to the Dubai Cashless Strategy, the city is seeking to stop using coins and banknotes in government and private organizations.

It was announced in October 2024 and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is leading the effort to modernize how money is managed in the emirate. Experts predict 90% of transactions will be cashless by this time next year.

Don’t feel alarmed, since money exists still, but now as digital information. Instead of carrying cash, you will use banking apps, credit cards, mobile wallets and AI to complete your payments. When it comes to paying for your supermarket items, purchasing taxis or shopping in the souq, digital payment will soon be used most of the time.

The DIFC and Dubai Finance have introduced workshops aimed at helping both businesses and the public adapt easily to the changes. Part of their services will enable companies to operate cashlessly and will launch AI developments to speed up, secure and ease transactions.

Thanks to improved efficiency and streamlined operations, Dubai hopes that their switch to digital will increase economic activity by more than AED 8 billion each year. Smart services that make things easier for everyone are also made possible with this approach.

No matter if you pay with card or phone, cash will soon be outdated—that’s how fast Dubai is switching to digital transactions.