- Emirates has signed a preliminary deal with Crypto.com to enable crypto payments via its platform starting next year.
- The UAE, especially Dubai, is becoming a major crypto hub, with over 650 crypto firms based in the DMCC free zone.
In a move that further cements the United Arab Emirates’ position as a crypto-friendly hub, Emirates airline has signed a preliminary agreement with Crypto.com to enable cryptocurrency payments through the trading platform’s payment service.
The partnership was announced on Wednesday by the airline’s parent company and is expected to roll out next year.
The collaboration is aimed at appealing to a younger demographic that prefers digital payment solutions.
“The partnership… is aimed at tapping into 'younger, tech-savvy customer segments who prefer digital currencies',”
said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and chief commercial officer, in a statement.
While the specific cryptocurrencies that will be accepted have not yet been disclosed, the agreement represents a significant step in integrating blockchain-based payments into mainstream aviation services.
UAE: A Fast-Growing Crypto Ecosystem
This development aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition to become a global crypto hub.
The country has already introduced digital payment options in sectors such as real estate, education, and public transportation.
Dubai, in particular, has taken proactive steps to regulate and support the virtual asset sector.
In 2022, the city established the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), one of the region’s major free zones, now hosts over 650 crypto-related firms.
Emirates is not alone in its adoption of cryptocurrency. Earlier this year, Air Arabia, a Dubai-listed airline, announced it would accept AE Coin, a stablecoin pegged to the UAE dirham, for flight bookings.
Edited by Annette George
