Emirates Embraces Crypto Payments Across Travel Retail
Emirates Airlines and Dubai Duty Free team up with Crypto.com to bring cryptocurrency payments to millions of global travelers.
In a groundbreaking move for both aviation and digital finance, Emirates Airlines and Dubai Duty Free have partnered with Crypto.com to introduce cryptocurrency payments across Dubai’s expansive travel ecosystem. This initiative positions the UAE as a global frontrunner in crypto-enabled commerce, aligning with its broader national strategy to lead in digital innovation and cashless transactions.
Dubai Takes Flight with Crypto Payments
The partnership, formalized at Emirates Headquarters, allows international travelers to use cryptocurrencies for a range of services — from airline bookings to retail purchases at Dubai Duty Free, both online and in physical outlets. With Dubai International Airport serving over tens of millions of passengers annually, the move is poised to bring crypto to the mainstream like never before.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com aims not only to enable crypto payments but also to spark strategic collaboration across marketing and customer engagement. It’s the latest chapter in Dubai’s drive toward a smart economy under the D33 Agenda, which seeks to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 and enhance its role as a global innovation hub.
Leadership Endorses Digital Shift
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO of Emirates Airline & Group, praised the partnership as “a promising step towards our shared ambition to transform travel and commerce.” He emphasized that embracing advanced digital payment solutions will redefine traveler convenience, from flight booking to retail shopping experiences at the airport.
This sentiment was echoed by senior executives at both Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com, who underscored the transformative nature of the partnership.
“This MoU underscores our commitment to innovation and to providing greater convenience and choice for our customers,”
— Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free
“We’re excited to bring real momentum to the digital asset industry through this partnership,”
— Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com
From Booking to Boarding: What the Partnership Includes
Beyond enabling crypto payments for duty-free purchases and flight bookings, the agreement entails:
- Joint marketing campaigns to promote crypto adoption across travel and retail
- Collaborative customer engagement programs aimed at boosting awareness and usage
- Feasibility studies and technical planning to ensure secure and scalable implementation
Dubai Duty Free’s strong financial performance further supports this initiative. In the first half of 2025, the retailer reported a turnover of AED 4.118 billion (US$1.128 billion), marking a 5.34% year-over-year increase — a clear sign of operational robustness amid global economic shifts.
The retailer also has a history of embracing payment innovation, having previously integrated platforms like Alipay and TerraPay, laying the groundwork for this next leap into digital currencies.
Crypto’s Expanding Footprint in the UAE
This isn’t Dubai’s first move into crypto payments. The UAE has been aggressively pursuing digital transformation across sectors:
- Crypto.com has previously partnered with UAE government entities to enable crypto payments for public services.
- Dubai’s Islamic Bank has launched Sharia-compliant crypto offerings, expanding access to a broader demographic.
- The country’s Cashless Strategy aims to reduce cash transactions to below 10% by 2026, fostering rapid fintech adoption.
These efforts come as global jurisdictions diverge in their approach to crypto regulation. While the EU’s MiCA framework introduces stricter controls, the UAE’s progressive regulatory landscape is attracting crypto firms seeking innovation-friendly environments.
Officials estimate that the transition to digital payments could add over 8 billion dirhams to the local economy, highlighting the high stakes — and high potential — of going crypto-first.
The announcement coincides with Bitcoin surpassing $112,000, marking a new all-time high amid surging institutional interest — a sign of growing global momentum behind digital assets.
Global Travel, Local Innovation
Dubai’s move mirrors a broader trend of crypto adoption in the travel sector. In recent months, Bhutan launched a national crypto-based tourism payment system in collaboration with Binance Pay, underscoring the growing appeal of decentralized finance for international travelers.
With this new partnership, Emirates and Dubai Duty Free are not only enhancing the customer experience but also positioning the UAE as a global testbed for real-world crypto utility — from booking a flight to buying luxury goods.
A New Standard for Travel Payments
By integrating digital assets into one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, Dubai is signaling its commitment to future-proofing its economy and redefining global standards for travel commerce. The collaboration between Emirates, Dubai Duty Free, and Crypto.com exemplifies how public-private partnerships can drive meaningful adoption of emerging technologies.
As feasibility studies and technical integration begin, the world will be watching how Dubai translates ambition into execution — and whether crypto can truly become a seamless part of the international travel experience.
