Dubai Tourism, Mastercard launch digital city partnership

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Mastercard have signed an agreement to further the emirate’s aspirations for a digital city.

The global leader in payment technology and DET will work together to accelerate economic growth in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).

This is the first such alliance made at a city level to leverage Mastercard’s payments network, according to Dubai Media Office.

The MoU will lead to the development and implementation of a multi-year programme in Dubai, enabling growth of trade and exports, developing SMEs and enabling innovation and attracting and developing talent.

Digital initiative

The partnership will also work to accelerate growth across the tourism ecosystem. The implementation of innovative payment solutions and improving visitor experiences will support Dubai’s vision to become a top-three global destination for leisure, business, and specialised services.

Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation at DET, said, “Through this strategic alliance, we are partnering with a global connector of digital payments to further strengthen Dubai’s position as the world’s most connected city. Mastercard has a track record of successful partnerships with companies across a broad range of sectors and segments, and this initiative signifies a new paradigm of economic collaboration at the city level. Through this partnership, Mastercard will mobilise its global resources and extensive experience as a global digital leader to unlock the city’s potential in line with the D33 Agenda.”

To support key goal of Dubai Economic Agenda D33, @DubaiDET & @Mastercard launch unique Digital City Partnership. Strategic alliance is the first of its kind at a city level and Mastercard’s first digital partnership in MENA region. pic.twitter.com/6E0nfpto2x

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 22, 2023

J.K. Khalil, cluster general manager, MENA East at Mastercard, said, “Mastercard has a proven track record of supporting governments in digitising public services, empowering small businesses, fostering talent and fuelling tourism. We are delighted to enter the region’s first Digital City partnership with the Department of Economy and Tourism as we harness the power of our advanced technology to help translate Dubai’s ambitious vision to reality. We are proud to build on our 35-year legacy in the market as we usher in a new chapter to support the UAE’s exemplary growth story.”

The agreement between DET and Mastercard comes a day after Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, launched Dubai’s Digital Strategy. The city’s new ‘Digital Strategy’ is centred on seven key pillars – the digital city, digital economy, data and statistics, digital talent, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital competitiveness.

Mastercard has previously signed digital partnerships with countries such as France, Azerbaijan, Panama to work with their governments to support digital transformation ambitions. Mastercard says the aim is to work alongside governments to deliver tangible benefits that improve the quality of life for citizens, aligned to each country’s specific strategies and priorities.