A total of 32 Dubai government entities offering 950 services are set to close service counters on October 26 and will stop receiving customers with payment transactions that can be done via alternative smart channels.

However, transactions that require presence in person at the service centres will continue as per usual. Centres will resume services for elderly customers and people of determination, reported Wam, the Emirates official news agency.

"Under the first of a kind initiative across the Middle East, Dubai government customer services centres are set to dedicate their efforts on Thursday, October 26, to promote awareness among customers on the importance of turning to smart channels to complete transactions, whether via smart apps or the web,” said Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, director-general of Dubai Department of Finance.

He confirmed that all transactions requiring payments "will cease at the centres on that day, and will be available online only".