Dubai is taking a major step toward the future of payments, with Emirates Airline and Dubai Duty Free announcing plans to integrate cryptocurrency options for their customers. The move follows the signing of strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with global digital asset platform Crypto.com, underscoring Dubai’s ambition to lead in digital finance innovation.
Crypto to Power Airport Retail Transformation
Dubai Duty Free, which reported sales exceeding AED 4.1 billion in the first half of 2025, confirmed its new partnership to evaluate accepting cryptocurrencies for both in-store and online purchases.
“This MoU underscores our commitment to innovation and to providing greater convenience and choice for our customers,” said Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free. The agreement was signed at the Emirates Group Headquarters.
Both parties will now conduct feasibility studies and develop crypto payment solutions, including strategic marketing campaigns and digital engagement tools. The initiative is designed to give travelers more flexibility, enhance the retail experience, and support the UAE’s broader digital transformation goals.
Emirates Airline Targets Tech-Savvy Travelers
Emirates Airline is also moving to embrace digital currency. Under its own MoU with Crypto.com, Emirates plans to integrate Crypto.com Pay into its booking and payment systems by next year. This would allow passengers to pay for tickets and services using cryptocurrency.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said the partnership aligns with Dubai’s strategy of adopting future-ready technologies and appealing to a younger, tech-savvy audience.
“This reflects Emirates’ commitment to meeting evolving customer preferences while tapping into a new generation of digitally fluent users,” Kazim explained. The move is also consistent with Dubai’s ambition to lead in financial innovation.
Part of Dubai’s Broader Digital Payment Strategy
These new agreements are part of Dubai’s accelerating push to normalize cryptocurrency adoption across key sectors. Just recently, the Dubai Land Department signed an MoU with Crypto.com on July 6 to build a blockchain-powered ecosystem for virtual real estate investment. This aims to facilitate buying, selling, and tokenization of properties using digital currencies—a move supporting Dubai’s goal of achieving AED 1 trillion in real estate transactions under its Real Estate Strategy 2033.
The UAE government has already allowed the payment of government fees using digital currencies, signaling an official embrace of crypto for practical use cases. Industry experts say these latest partnerships are a natural next step toward mainstream adoption of crypto payments in everyday transactions.
Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, described the partnerships with Emirates and Dubai Duty Free as a major milestone for practical crypto use in the region.
“Integration with exceptional partners such as Emirates and Dubai Duty Free brings real momentum to the digital asset industry,” he said. “It enables both companies to offer innovative finance solutions and supports Dubai’s broader vision for digital leadership.”
Building Dubai’s Future of Everyday Crypto Payments
Although crypto transactions at Emirates and Dubai Duty Free aren’t yet live, these partnerships mark the start of a major shift in how payments could work across Dubai’s economy. Both companies are actively studying integration plans to ensure a smooth and secure rollout for travelers.
These efforts signal that digital assets are moving beyond hype and into practical use, laying the foundation for seamless crypto payments in air travel, retail, and beyond. As Dubai continues to weave blockchain and crypto solutions into its economy—from real estate to government services—it is setting a global standard for adopting innovative, customer-focused financial technology.
