During the recent GITEX Global 2024 event in Dubai, Dubai Finance (DOF) signed eight strategic agreements to advance the Dubai Cashless Strategy, which was recently launched by the Government of Dubai through the Dubai Digital Authority (DDA) and DOF. These agreements officially set the frameworks for the Smart Installment System and the pilot launch of the Biometric Payment System within the Government of Dubai. The aim is to simplify the payment process for government transactions and services for Dubai Government customers.
Ahmad Ali Meftah, Acting Executive Director of the Central Accounts at DOF, mentioned that the launch of the Smart Installment System and the pilot launch of the Biometric Payment System signal the future readiness of the Dubai Government. The Smart Installment System enables customers of all government entities to pay for transaction and service fees in installments via smart portals, with easy payment services available through local banks. On the other hand, the Biometric Payment System allows customers to pay fees at service centers of various government entities using their faceprint or palmprint.
DOF signed the eight agreements with Digital Dubai, Tabby, Tamara, and local banks such as Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, and Mashreq Bank. Payments can also be made in installments through point-of-sales at service centers of various government entities, like the Roads and Transport Authority, Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Land Department, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Customs.
Amna Mohammed Lootah, Director of the Smart Financial Services Division at DOF, emphasized that these advancements pave the way for future innovations in fee payments for government services. She highlighted that in 2023, 97% of Dubai government transactions were digital, showcasing the remarkable transformation the government has undergone in its payment and collection systems in recent years.
H.H. Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, DOF’s Director General, expressed pride in the role played by DOF as the 'central nerve' for implementing the Dubai Cashless Strategy. He stated that the Government of Dubai, led by Dubai Finance, is committed to realizing the wise vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai one of the happiest and most advanced cities globally. The ultimate goal is to achieve 90% digital transactions in both public and private sectors by 2026, aiming at enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
The implementation of the Smart Installment System in government centers has begun with two installment service companies, with plans to include more in the future. Initially, payment options are available through Tabby and Tamara for installment services, or via bank cards from eight leading local banks using the Visa Empowerment feature. The agreements also involved Visa, Network International, and New Pay in their collaboration to facilitate digital payment channels through various smart devices, moving forward.
