Emirates has entered into a preliminary agreement with global cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com to integrate digital asset payments across its services, marking a strategic step toward enhancing its appeal to younger, tech-savvy travelers.
The agreement, expected to go into effect next year pending regulatory approvals and compliance checks, will incorporate Crypto.com Pay into Emirates’ payment infrastructure. The airline’s parent company confirmed the move in a statement on Wednesday.
“This strategic move is in line with Dubai’s vision to be at the forefront of financial innovation, while providing our customers greater flexibility and choice in how they transact with Emirates,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Dubai in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group.
In addition to enabling crypto payments, Emirates and Crypto.com plan to collaborate on joint marketing campaigns aimed at increasing awareness and driving adoption of the new payment option.
The United Arab Emirates continues to emerge as a key global hub for the cryptocurrency industry. Since 2022, Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has overseen a growing number of use cases—from real estate and school fees to public transportation—where cryptocurrency is now accepted.
Dubai’s Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is home to over 650 crypto and blockchain firms, forming one of the region’s largest digital asset ecosystems.
Emirates is not alone in exploring this space. In May, Air Arabia, a Dubai-listed low-cost carrier, announced it would accept AE Coin, a UAE dirham-backed stablecoin, for ticket bookings.
Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, said the partnership will play a key role in expanding the real-world utility of digital assets: “Our collaboration with Emirates will help accelerate the adoption of cryptocurrencies in everyday transactions, further cementing our presence in the Gulf region.”
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