Dubai Finance (DOF) signed eight pivotal agreements to further the Dubai Cashless Strategy, which was recently introduced by the Government of Dubai through the Dubai Digital Authority (DDA) and DOF. These agreements were revealed during the recent Gitex Global 2024 event in Dubai. These deals establish the official frameworks for the Smart Installment System and the pilot rollout of the Biometric Payment System within the Dubai Government. These cutting-edge systems aim to streamline payment processes for government transactions and services for customers of the Dubai Government.
Smart Installment System
The Smart Installment System enables customers across all government entities to pay transaction and service fees in installments through intelligent portals. Furthermore, payments can be made in installments via point-of-sale systems at service centers for the Roads and Transport Authority, the Department of Economy and Tourism, the Dubai Land Department, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Customs. Initially, easy payment options are offered through Tabby and Tamara for installment services, as well as via bank cards from eight leading local banks utilizing the Visa Empowerment feature. Local banks also provide convenient payment services.
Pilot launch of biometric payment system
Meanwhile, the Biometric Payment System, currently in its pilot phase, allows customers to settle fees at service centers of various government entities using their facial or palm prints.
Key partnerships and collaborations
DOF entered into agreements with Digital Dubai, Tabby, Tamara, and several local banks, including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, and Mashreq Bank. The agreements also involved Visa, Network International, and New Pay.
H.E. Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, director general, DOF, expressed pride in the department’s role as the central force behind the Dubai Cashless Strategy. He highlighted the commitment of the Government of Dubai to fulfill the vision of the Ruler of Dubai, aiming to position the city as one of the happiest and most advanced globally.
Pioneering public finance innovations
Ahmad Ali Meftah, acting executive director of Central Accounts at DOF, noted that the new systems demonstrate the Government of Dubai’s readiness for the future. He emphasized the goal of achieving 90 percent digital transactions by 2026, aiming to enhance customer satisfaction through installment payment options.
Future innovations in government services
Amna Mohammed Lootah, director of the Smart Financial Services Division at DOF, remarked that these advancements pave the way for future innovations in fee payments for government services. She pointed out the significant digital transformation in government transactions, with a notable percentage conducted digitally in recent years. She also mentioned the initial phase of the Smart Installment System and the potential for future collaborations with financial institutions.
Launch of digital platform
During Gitex 2023, the Department of Finance (DOF) for the Government of Dubai introduced a digital platform designed for managing projects within the public-private partnership (PPP) framework. Named DP3, this innovative platform specializes in overseeing partnership projects between the public and private sectors throughout all phases, from project identification and analysis to implementation and operational launch. It caters to government entities looking to execute partnership projects in the Emirate of Dubai.
New corporate identity
Last month, Dubai’s DOF also revealed its new corporate identity, which reflects the department’s ambitious strategic goals based on leading international practices and standards. This new identity further emphasizes its dedication to supporting Dubai’s sustainable development journey in the coming years, driven by a vision of global leadership and innovative financial sustainability.
Core values and color palette
The new corporate identity encapsulates DOF’s core values and principles, aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of Dubai’s society and boosting the emirate’s global competitiveness. The turquoise hue in the new logo symbolizes balance, creativity, and originality, while also serving as a global emblem of sustainability. Accompanying this, the golden-brown color complements the turquoise, reinforcing an upscale corporate image and connecting audiences to the essence of the previous logo. This color palette is inspired by Dubai’s natural beauty, reflecting the city’s sea and desert, where its remarkable projects and sophisticated infrastructure thrive.
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