The UAE has introduced a new way for residents to manage federal fees and fines. Through a partnership between the Ministry of Finance and Tabby, people across the country can now settle selected government charges using a “Buy Now, Pay Later” structure. The update gives residents more breathing room, especially when larger payments come up unexpectedly.
This is the first time a BNPL platform has been officially integrated into federal government payments. With Dubai’s fast-moving digital landscape and the country’s continued investment in financial technology, the launch feels like a natural next step. For many residents juggling school fees, rent cycles, or family expenses, the added flexibility may ease monthly budgeting pressures.
What Tabby Instalment Option Means
The introduction of instalments for government services is designed to make essential transactions easier. Instead of paying a full fee or fine in one shot, residents can now break the amount into monthly instalments through Tabby. The government receives the full payment upfront, while the customer repays Tabby in agreed instalments.
The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that residents will only pay a commission when choosing the instalment option. Those who prefer paying upfront will still be able to settle charges normally with no added costs. The goal is to make the system optional yet useful — giving people choices depending on their situation.
Across Dubai, where daily life often involves digital payments, this addition blends smoothly with how residents already use their smartphones for everything from parking to visa renewals. Having the option to spread out a government fee fits naturally within the city’s lifestyle.
What Fees and Fines Are Included?
The Tabby instalment feature applies to federal government services, which means it covers payments handled by ministries and federal authorities. Residents dealing with administrative fees, licence renewals, or federal fines will find the option available during checkout on participating platforms.
While exact services will expand gradually, the intention is to make instalments accessible across all federal entities. As digital adoption deepens across the UAE, more services are expected to join the system. This aligns with the country’s wider digital transformation strategy and long-term focus on smart government services.
How the Instalment System Works
The process is fairly straightforward, especially for those already familiar with BNPL apps:
- When paying a federal fee or fine online, residents select the Tabby instalment option at checkout.
- Tabby covers the payment instantly on behalf of the resident.
- The resident then repays Tabby in scheduled instalments.
- No commission applies unless the instalment option is selected.
The setup is built to support users who prefer smoother, smaller monthly amounts instead of a one-time lump sum. It also supports responsible budgeting, especially in households that plan expenses around fixed monthly cycles.
for Residents in Dubai and Across the UAE
Dubai residents are no strangers to digital-first solutions. From topping up Salik to renewing car registrations online, most government interactions already happen through apps or portals. Adding a BNPL option simply modernizes the process further.
For young professionals who’ve recently moved to Dubai, the option allows them to manage costs more comfortably as they adjust to the city. For families, it helps distribute government-related payments across the year instead of having everything fall in the same month. Even long-term residents will likely welcome the flexibility, especially during months that come with extra expenses — such as school admissions season or year-end commitments.
The move also strengthens financial inclusion, ensuring more people are able to fulfil essential government requirements without feeling pressured by immediate payments.
Key Things to Keep in Mind
While the instalments add convenience, residents should stay aware of a few pointers:
- Instalments should be used only when helpful; upfront payment remains available.
- Tabby will outline the repayment schedule clearly — residents should track it to avoid late fees.
- Spacing payments out can help with budgeting, but it is still important to plan.
- Each instalment plan runs separately, so anyone managing multiple fees should monitor their monthly commitments carefully.
By design, the system encourages ease rather than unnecessary spending. It simply gives people another option.
Smarter, More Flexible Government Services
The UAE continues to push forward with its long-term vision of building one of the most digitally advanced government systems in the world. Introducing BNPL for federal payments is another example of how the country adapts global technologies into everyday services that residents rely on.
In a city like Dubai, where convenience is a big part of the lifestyle, this initiative blends seamlessly into how people already live. Having one less payment pressure makes a difference during a busy workweek or while juggling family responsibilities.
The new Tabby instalment feature for federal fees and fines marks a meaningful shift in how residents can approach government payments. It offers more flexibility, eases financial pressure, and aligns with the UAE’s ongoing commitment to digital innovation. For people across Dubai and the wider country, it gives a practical option that fits well into modern life.
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