Dubai has taken another bold step toward building a cashless economy. In a major announcement, the Dubai Department of Finance (DOF) confirmed that residents, tourists, and businesses can now use global digital wallets like UPI, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay to pay for official government services. That means everything from visa fees to license renewals, fines, and utility bills can now be paid digitally with international wallet options.
This upgrade to Dubai digital payments is part of the city’s long-term strategy to become the smartest and most financially connected economy in the world, and it is already changing how people and companies transact in the UAE.
What Changed
Previously, you could only pay Dubai government fees using local bank cards or UAE payment services. Now, the system accepts global digital wallets, making it easier for non-residents and international businesses to transact without needing a UAE card or bank account.
Wallets Now Accepted for Dubai Government Payments
The following payment methods are now active or rolling out across Dubai Government entities:
| Payment Method | Status |
| Apple Pay | Active |
| Google Pay | Active |
| Samsung Pay | Active |
| Alipay | Active |
| Alipay Plus | Active |
| WeChat Pay | Active |
| RuPay | Active |
| NPCI QR (UPI) | Active |
| Diners Club International | Active |
| Discover Global Network | Active |
| China UnionPay | Active |
| SoftPOS Tap-to-Pay | Rolling out |
Payments can be made via DubaiPay and DubaiNow, two official platforms that connect users to over 130 government and private sector services.
Why Dubai Is Expanding Digital Payment Options
This expansion is not just a convenience upgrade. It is a strategic economic move.
According to the Dubai Department of Finance, Dubai digital payments will:
- Support Dubai’s Cashless Economy Strategy
- Improve transparency and reduce dependency on cash
- Make it easier for foreign investors to transact
- Speed up payments for business licensing and visa services
- Support Digital Dubai and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33
- Increase financial inclusion for expatriates and global entrepreneurs
Benefits for Residents, Tourists and Business Owners
No UAE bank card needed: Tourists and foreign business owners can now pay for services directly using UPI, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, making life easier for people who do not yet have a UAE bank account.
- Faster business setup: Payments for trade licenses, permits, approvals, and visas can now be made instantly through Dubai digital payments. That means faster processing for new companies and entrepreneurs entering Dubai.
- Seamless cross-border convenience: Businesses expanding from India, China, Europe, and Africa can now transact directly using familiar payment systems. UPI and RuPay support is a big win for Indian entrepreneurs moving to Dubai.
- Secure and fraud-proof transactions: All wallet payments go through official government payment gateways, ensuring 100% secure transactions.
Business Impact: Why Entrepreneurs Should Care
If you are planning a business setup in Dubai, this change makes your life easier from day one. Until now, many new business owners were stuck while waiting for their business bank account to activate. That delay slowed down visa payments and company licensing.
Now thanks to Dubai digital payments, you can:
- Pay company setup fees instantly
- Apply for Dubai visas faster
- Renew company licenses from anywhere
- Pay immigration and Emirates ID fees online
- Operate as global founder without UAE banking delays
This move proves one thing, Dubai wants global entrepreneurs, and the system is being built around ease of doing business.
How to Use Digital Wallets for Dubai Government Payments
You can use your wallet through:
- DubaiPay – Official unified government payment gateway
- DubaiNow App – One app for visas, bills, RTA, DED, DEWA, and Dubai Police
Just select your service, choose a digital wallet, and approve payment using your mobile number or QR code.
What Services You Can Pay For
You can use Dubai digital payments for more than 100 services, including:
- Business licenses
- Dubai company registration
- Dubai visa fees
- Trade license renewals
- Corporate tax penalty payments
- Dubai Municipality fees
- RTA fines
- Dubai Police services
- Immigration services
- Electricity and water bills (DEWA)
Future of Dubai Digital Payments
By the end of 2025, Dubai plans to become 100% cashless across all government departments. This upgrade is part of a larger transformation that includes:
- Digital identity with UAE Pass
- Smart document verification
- AI-powered approval systems
- Automated licensing and visa processing
- Real-time business compliance
This is not about payments alone. It is a financial revolution backed by technology.
AB Capital: Helping Businesses Adapt to Dubai’s Digital Economy
With payments becoming digital, documentation moving online, and compliance becoming automated, entrepreneurs need a strategic partner to help navigate new rules. That is where AB Capital Services comes in.
We help with:
- Business setup in Dubai and UAE
- Dubai residency visa and business visa
- Corporate bank account opening
- Corporate tax and VAT registration
- Business compliance and real-time advisory
- Digital payment setup and invoicing support
Led by Bharat Bajaj, who has 20 years of global finance and business experience, AB Capital helps entrepreneurs build future-proof companies in Dubai. Whether you are a startup, freelancer, or international founder, our team makes business easy, fast, and compliant.
FAQs – Dubai Digital Payments
1. Can I use UPI to pay Dubai government fees
Yes. NPCI UPI is now accepted in Dubai through DubaiPay and DubaiNow.
2. Is Apple Pay accepted in Dubai for government payments
Yes. Apple Pay works across Dubai government services.
3. Do I need a UAE bank account to pay fees now
No. You can pay using international wallets like UPI, Alipay, RuPay, and Google Pay.
4. Can business setup payments be made digitally
Yes. Trade license and visa fees can now be paid using Dubai digital payments.
5. When will full wallet integration be completed
The rollout will be fully completed by the end of 2025.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on official communication from the Dubai Department of Finance. Policies and services may change. Please verify before financial transactions or business setup decisions.