Dubai Customs reports 99.3% cashless transactions as emirate exceeds 2026 digital payment targets

Dubai Customs achieves 99.3% cashless transactions in 2026, as emirate hits its cashless strategy target early

Dubai Customs recorded cashless payment transactions at 99.3% of its total payments during the first half of 2026, reflecting the department's advanced digital infrastructure and contributing to the emirate's early achievement of its cashless strategy objectives.

The performance represents a continuation of the department's digital transformation trajectory, with cashless transactions standing at 99.4% in 2025 and 99.2% in 2024. Dubai Customs completed 23 million customs transactions during the first six months of 2026, achieving a 99.6% adoption rate for digital channels and a customer satisfaction index of 98% for digital services.

Dubai exceeds cashless strategy targets ahead of schedule

The results emerged as the Dubai Government's Department of Finance announced on October 9 that the emirate had achieved the primary goals of the Dubai Cashless Strategy. The non-cash transactions index at the emirate level reached 90.1%, surpassing the target set for 2026, while the digital empowerment index in the government sector reached 100%.

The Dubai Cashless Strategy was officially launched on October 9, 2024, by 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. The initiative set a goal of achieving 90% cashless transactions across government and private sectors by 2026, structured around three strategic pillars: Digital Governance, Digital Innovation, and Digital Society.

The strategy is projected to boost economic growth by over AED 8 billion annually through fintech innovation and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which seeks to double the size of Dubai's economy by 2033 and establish the city among the world's top five destinations for living, investing, and working.

Regulatory framework supports digital payment expansion

To support implementation, a dedicated Digital Payment Systems Regulatory Division was established within Dubai's Department of Finance in December 2024 to drive the cashless strategy and ensure complete digital enablement of businesses.

Dubai's digital payment transformation builds on a foundation established before the formal cashless strategy launch. By 2023, 97% of Dubai government transactions were already digital, providing a strong platform for expansion into the private sector.

Dr. Abdullah Busnad, Director General of Dubai Customs, stated that the integration of government services and cashless payments embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan, to employ technology to build a more productive and flexible economy and enhance Dubai's competitiveness.

We are transforming the efficiency of customs services into a competitive advantage that supports the growth of companies and investor confidence in Dubai. The economic value of digital transformation is embodied in the time we save the customer, the procedures we shorten, and the reliability we add to trade.

AI integration drives further digital transformation

Dubai Customs' digital performance extends beyond cashless payments. The department launched its comprehensive 2030 Artificial Intelligence Strategy in October 2025 to integrate AI technologies across all customs operations and create a fully digital ecosystem.

UAE-wide digital payment adoption trends

The broader UAE market reflects similar digital payment adoption trends. According to Visa's 2026 report, 68% of UAE consumers are now largely non-cash users, and 80% of all payments across the country are made digitally. The UAE digital payments market is projected to reach a total transaction value of $20.22 billion by 2026, with nearly 70% of residents shifting toward a cashless lifestyle.

Consumer behavior data from a survey conducted between March and April 2026 showed that 70.7% of UAE residents reported increased willingness to use digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Wallet over recent years.

The Department of Finance recognized Dubai Customs' contribution to supporting the strategy's objectives and commended its performance in digital transformation and promoting reliance on non-cash transactions.