Emirates And Flydubai Collaborate With Dubai Finance To Enhance Digital Payment Adoption For Tourists

Emirates and flydubai have partnered with Dubai Finance (DOF) to promote digital payments among tourists, supporting the 'Dubai Cashless Strategy'. This initiative aims to strengthen Dubai's role as a global digital economy hub. With over 18.7 million tourists expected in 2024, the focus is on converting cash-reliant travellers to digital payment methods.

The collaboration involves two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed by Adnan Kazim of Emirates and Hamad Obaidalla of flydubai with Ahmad Ali Meftah from DOF. The signing was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and other senior officials from Emirates Group and flydubai.

Adnan Kazim stated, "Emirates’ strategic partnership with DOF represents a significant opportunity to accelerate digital payment adoption across our tourism ecosystem. By leveraging our combined expertise and infrastructure, we’re supporting Dubai’s cashless vision and directly fuelling D33 Agenda ambitions by enabling the business case for digital-first tourism that creates seamless visitor experiences. With our global network, Emirates will also promote Dubai’s cashless ecosystem internationally, encouraging millions of visitors each year to embrace secure digital solutions from the moment they book their ticket. We hope what we are building today will become the blueprint that other major cities will follow."

Hamad Obaidalla expressed that this partnership is crucial for advancing the Dubai Cashless Strategy. He said, "Our collaboration with DOF is a pivotal step in advancing Dubai Cashless Strategy. flydubai is committed to adopting digital-first solutions, and this partnership will allow us to further enhance the travel experience for millions of international visitors who choose Dubai each year. By making cashless payments simpler, more secure and more accessible, we are not only improving convenience for our customers but also contributing to Dubai’s vision of becoming a leading global hub for digital innovation and economic growth."

The MoUs aim to improve collaboration in areas like exchanging expertise and best practices for cashless solutions within travel and tourism. Workshops, training sessions, and evaluations of payment trends will support strategic planning efforts.

The partnerships will focus on enhancing the digital payment experience for tourists visiting Dubai. Initiatives include joint marketing campaigns to raise awareness, incentives for adopting digital payments, and offering diverse solutions like contactless payments.

Commitment to Financial Innovation

Ahmed Ali Muftah highlighted the importance of this collaboration in implementing the Dubai Cashless Strategy. He stated, "Our partnership with Emirates and flydubai represents an important milestone in the implementation of the Dubai Cashless Strategy. It will help expand the adoption of digital payments among the wide segment of visitors and tourists that Dubai attracts annually. Strengthening smart and secure payment channels consolidates Dubai’s position as a global destination for digital tourism and an innovation-driven economy. It also reflects our commitment to accelerating the transition towards a cashless society that achieves the highest levels of efficiency and financial sustainability."

Amna Mohamed Lootah emphasised their shared commitment to innovative financial solutions: "Emirates and flydubai play a key role in driving positive change in Dubai’s travel sector. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovative financial solutions, enhances the smart tourism experience, and supports a seamless, secure, and sustainable financial environment for all."

Leveraging Expertise for Growth

The partnership will utilise DOF's government connections alongside both airlines' expertise in digital payments. A large portion of Emirates’ and flydubai’s business transactions are conducted digitally.

Emirates offers 14 payment gateways while Skywards, their loyalty programme, operates entirely on digital currency for earning benefits.

The 'Dubai Cashless Strategy', launched last year, aims for 90% cashless transactions across sectors by 2026. This initiative is expected to boost economic growth by over AED8 billion annually through innovative financial technology services.

With inputs from WAM