Emirates, Dubai Duty Free to soon allow crypto payments in new landmark deals

Dubai: Travelers passing through Dubai could soon be paying for flights and duty-free goods using cryptocurrency, thanks to two landmark agreements signed by Emirates Airline and Dubai Duty Free with global digital asset platform Crypto.com.

Both companies have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Crypto.com to explore enabling crypto payments for customers — further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a leading hub for digital innovation.

Dubai Duty Free, which saw sales cross Dh4.1 billion in the first half of 2025, confirmed its new partnership with Crypto.com to explore accepting digital currency for purchases both in-store and online. The initiative is designed to give travelers more flexibility and reflect changing payment preferences among global tourists.

“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, at the signing held at the Emirates Group Headquarters.

Both parties will now conduct feasibility studies and jointly develop crypto payment solutions, including strategic marketing campaigns and digital engagement tools. The collaboration aims to enhance the retail experience and support the UAE’s broader digital transformation goals.

Emirates Airline is also joining the digital currency wave. Under a similar MoU, the airline will work with Crypto.com to integrate Crypto.com Pay into its booking and payment systems by next year, offering customers the option to pay for tickets and services using cryptocurrency.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said the move aligns with Dubai’s push to embrace future-ready technologies and appeal to younger, tech-savvy travelers.

“This reflects Emirates’ commitment to meeting evolving customer preferences while tapping into a new generation of digitally fluent users,” Kazim said, noting that it is also in line with Dubai’s ambition to lead in financial innovation.

The deals come as Dubai accelerates its crypto adoption strategy across sectors, most recently with the Dubai Land Department signing an MoU with Crypto.com on July 6 to develop a blockchain-based ecosystem for virtual real estate investment.

That partnership aims to enable the buying, selling, and tokenisation of property using digital currencies — marking a significant step toward the city’s Dh1 trillion real estate transaction target under Dubai’s Real Estate Strategy 2033.

With the UAE government already permitting payment of government fees using digital currencies, industry watchers say these partnerships are a natural next step in normalizing crypto use in everyday transactions.

Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, said the partnerships with Emirates and Dubai Duty Free are a major boost to the practical use of crypto 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.”

Customers won’t be able to pay in crypto just yet — rollout plans are still in the study phase — but both Emirates and Dubai Duty Free have confirmed that implementation is actively being explored. With crypto now finding real-world applications in travel, retail, and real estate, Dubai is positioning itself at the forefront of a new digital finance era.