Dubai activates global digital wallets for government fee payments
New initiative supports Digital Dubai strategy and economic agenda D33 goals
DUBAI – Dubai Finance (DOF) has announced that a wide range of global digital wallets are now accepted for payment of government service fees across all Government of Dubai entities.
The department confirmed that individuals, businesses, and visitors can now make payments conveniently using international and regional wallets through the Dubai smart payment gateway, DubaiPay, and the DubaiNow app. Full activation of all supported wallets is expected by the end of the year.
The move represents a major step towards a fully cashless government, reinforcing Dubai’s global standing in financial innovation and digital transformation. The initiative supports the emirate’s broader objective to simplify transactions, promote transparency, and enhance accessibility to government services.
What payments are included?
According to Dubai Finance, users can now complete transactions with a variety of digital wallets, including Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, Alipay Plus, Alipay, RuPay, Diners, Discover, China UnionPay, WeChat Pay, NPCI QR (UPI), and Soft POS/Tap to Pay.
These payment options are available across all government service centres in Dubai, offering flexibility for both local and international users. The integration with DubaiPay and the DubaiNow app ensures that payments for government services – from residency renewals and traffic fines to business licensing – can be processed digitally with ease.
The department highlighted that the step aligns with global best practices in financial innovation and supports the Government of Dubai’s ongoing shift towards digital inclusivity and convenience.
How does this support Dubai’s vision?
Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai Finance, described the initiative as a “major milestone” that reflects Dubai’s determination to build a cashless government.
“The activation of global and regional digital wallets across Dubai’s government payment ecosystem is a qualitative leap towards realising our vision of a cashless government. It enhances transparency and innovation in the delivery of government services, in line with international standards,” Al Saleh said.
He added that the initiative follows the directives of the Emirate’s leadership and forms a crucial part of the Dubai Cashless Strategy, designed to make digital payments the default mode across both public and private sectors.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, praised the initiative for its inclusiveness, noting that it “reflects Dubai’s openness to all solutions that facilitate people’s lives and strengthen the foundations of the digital economy.” He further highlighted that integrating global wallets with DubaiPay and DubaiNow supports the objectives of Digital Dubai’s strategy to digitalise life in the city, while advancing the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which positions the digital economy as a key pillar of sustainable growth.
When will the rollout be complete?
Matar Saeed Al-Hemeiri, CEO of the Digital Dubai Government Establishment, confirmed that the rollout is already under way, with several wallets activated and the rest to follow by year-end. “By integrating international digital wallets with DubaiPay and DubaiNow, we are unlocking new levels of accessibility and convenience. This step will benefit residents, tourists, and businesses alike,” he said.
Al-Hemeiri added that this integration not only simplifies interactions with government entities but also strengthens Dubai’s growing digital economy – a key element of its long-term vision to rank among the world’s most technologically advanced cities.
Ahmed Ali Meftah, Executive Director of the Central Accounts Sector at DOF, said the move aligns with the government’s digital transformation agenda and enhances financial inclusion. “This step is part of the broader implementation of the Dubai Cashless Strategy, which aims to reduce reliance on cash transactions while reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for innovation,” he noted.
Amna Mohammed Lootah, Director of the Digital Payment Systems Regulatory Division, underlined that the inclusion of a diverse range of wallets supports Dubai’s mission to deliver smart, seamless, and customer-centric services. “It enriches the experience of all users, including entrepreneurs, tourists, investors, citizens, and residents,” she said.