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Dubai says cashless strategy beat its 2026 targets, adding over Dh8 billion to economy

Dubai Finance reported that the Dubai Cashless Strategy, launched in October 2024, reached a 90.1 per cent cashless transactions index against a 90 per cent target and contributed more than Dh8 billion to the economy, ahead of its two-year timeframe.

2 outlets · 0L · 2C · 0R First reported Account updated
Image: Gulf News
Image: The National

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The story, neutrally told

Centre · 2Dubai Finance announced that the Dubai Cashless Strategy, launched in October 2024, exceeded its key targets ahead of its scheduled two-year timeframe. Centre · 2The emirate's cashless transactions index reached 90.1 per cent, against a 90 per cent target set for 2026. Centre · 2The strategy's final report said cashless payment initiatives contributed more than Dh8 billion (about $2.18 billion) to the economy.

Centre · 2The Digital Enablement Index for the government sector reached 100 per cent, and the community happiness index reached 90.1 per cent against a 90 per cent target. Centre · 2Across the strategy's three pillars, 97 per cent was achieved in governance, 95 per cent in society and 93 per cent in innovation. Centre · 1Gulf News reported further government-sector figures: cashless collections of 99.66 per cent in the first half of 2026, more than 70 strategic partnerships with government entities and private businesses, and 95 per cent completion of strategic accelerators in the first half of the year.

Centre · 1The National noted that Dh8 billion was also the target set when the strategy was launched, and that the figures were released by the Dubai Media Office, quoting Dubai Finance. Centre · 2Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, said the strategy reflects the success of Dubai's model, built on a clear vision, integrated government and private-sector roles, and expanding use of technology. Centre · 1Other officials welcomed the result: Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director-General of Dubai Finance, said the focus would now be on sustaining results and expanding digital solutions, while Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said it enhances Dubai's competitiveness for business, investment and tourism.

Centre · 1Hamad Al Mansoori of Digital Dubai and Helal Almarri of the Department of Economy and Tourism also commented, the latter saying wider payment options enrich the visitor experience. Centre · 1Gulf News said the cashless transactions index draws on data from the Central Bank of the UAE, Transguard, payment acquirers, international payment networks, Dubai Finance and relevant government entities. All results come from official sources and no independent verification is reported.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.

Left0 outlets

No left outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.

Centre2 outlets

Framing
Both outlets relay the official Dubai announcement as a success story, led by the targets exceeded and the Dh8 billion economic contribution.
Emphasis
Gulf News gives more space to official quotes and government-sector metrics; The National adds context on the launch target, the Dubai Media Office source and Digital Dubai's role.
Leaves out or plays down
Neither reports independent analysis or criticism, or explains how the Dh8 billion was calculated.
Charged language
“successfully exceeded”“strong results”
For example
“has successfully exceeded its key targets ahead of its scheduled two-year timeframe” — Gulf News
“The Dh8 billion figure was also the target set when the strategy was” — The National

Right0 outlets

No right outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.