Starting September 17, 2026, the Ajman Transport Authority will officially discontinue cash payments across three major bus routes connecting to Dubai, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. To board these buses, commuters must transition to digital payment methods, specifically utilizing bank cards or the official Masaar Money card. While the Masaar card can be obtained for free at designated transport authority branches and authorized retailers, passengers will need to ensure their accounts are pre-loaded to avoid any travel disruptions. Additionally, the authority confirmed that cash will no longer be accepted at the Speed Vehicle Testing and Registration Centre as part of this transition.

This shift mirrors a broader trend across the UAE, where digital-first payments are rapidly replacing physical currency. Recent data from Visa indicates that only 16 percent of consumers in the country rely on cash for daily transactions, a notable drop from previous years. As digital options prove more efficient for everything from transit fares to utility bills, authorities are aggressively pushing for a cashless economy. This strategy aligns with broader national goals, similar to recent moves by Dubai’s Parkin to remove cash-based payment options at parking meters throughout the emirate.