Travelers flying with Emirates or shopping at Dubai Duty Free will soon be able to pay using cryptocurrency, thanks to new agreements signed with Crypto.com. This development marks a significant step toward integrating digital assets into mainstream transactions within the UAE.
The rollout of the crypto payment system is expected to begin next year, according to a statement from Emirates.
Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, shared that the airline’s collaboration with Crypto.com is part of a broader strategy to embrace innovation and meet the preferences of a growing segment of tech-savvy, younger customers.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to offering flexible and forward-thinking payment options,” he said. “It opens new avenues for convenience and choice in how passengers interact with our services.”
Crypto.com’s President and COO, Eric Anziani, also highlighted the potential of this partnership to drive real-world use cases for digital assets. “Working with an iconic brand like Emirates accelerates our mission to bring crypto to everyday spending in the GCC,” he noted.
Dubai Duty Free has also entered into a similar agreement with Crypto.com to introduce digital currency payments for both in-store and online purchases. The move aims to diversify payment options and create opportunities for collaborative campaigns and customer engagement initiatives.
Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, stated: “As one of the world’s leading travel retailers, we are always looking for ways to elevate the customer experience. Enabling crypto payments is a bold step that aligns with our long-term growth vision.”
Dubai Duty Free reported strong performance in the first half of 2025, recording AED 4.118 billion in turnover — a 5.34% increase compared to the same period last year.
The UAE is already witnessing widespread adoption of digital currencies, with several real estate developers accepting crypto as a form of payment.
Courtesy: Khaleej Times
