Dubai Customs Achieves Exceptional 99.3% Cashless Payment Rate in First Half of 2026
Dubai Customs has reported a remarkable cashless payment transaction rate of 99.3% during the first half of 2026, demonstrating outstanding progress in digital financial integration and reinforcing the emirate's position as a global leader in cashless commerce.
Dubai Customs has achieved a cashless payment transaction rate of 99.3% during the first half of 2026, a compelling demonstration of the organisation’s commitment to digital financial transformation and seamless customer experience. This exceptional performance reflects the sophisticated development of the organisation’s digital infrastructure and the reliability of its electronic payment systems.
These achievements represent a continuation of the emirate’s steadfast progression towards becoming an integrated cashless society. The result builds upon previous years’ commendable performance, showcasing consistent excellence in the adoption of digital payment methodologies and underscoring Dubai’s position as a globally recognised exemplar in financial modernisation.
The accomplishment forms an integral component of the Dubai Cashless strategy, which was inaugurated in October 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The emirate-wide cashless transactions index has reached 90.1%, surpassing the targets initially established for 2026, whilst the digital enablement index in the government sector has achieved full realisation at 100%.
During the opening six months of 2026, Dubai Customs completed 23 million customs transactions, with an exceptional digital channel adoption rate of 99.6%. The happiness index associated with the organisation’s digital services reached an impressive 98%, reflecting the successful alignment of operational efficiency with customer satisfaction.
Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director-General of Dubai Customs, articulated the institution’s vision, emphasising that the integration of government services and digital payments embodies the strategic directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. He underscored that the organisation is transforming customs service efficiency into a competitive advantage that cultivates business growth and investor confidence in Dubai.
The Dubai Customs Strategy 2026-2030 is constructed upon the foundations of enabling trusted trade and aligns seamlessly with the objectives of Dubai’s Economic Agenda, D33. The strategy prioritises the elevation of customer experience and the strengthening of commercial enterprises’ capabilities to flourish and access international markets.
The Mirsal 2 system represents a cornerstone achievement in integrating customs operations, electronic services, payment procedures and risk management frameworks. This sophisticated technological architecture facilitates the expeditious completion of transactions whilst maintaining rigorous control and compliance standards, thereby supporting business resilience and trade growth throughout the emirate.
Source: WAM