Emirates Airlines has partnered with Crypto.com to explore cryptocurrency payment solutions across Dubai’s travel ecosystem.
Dubai Duty Free has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the global crypto exchange to enable digital asset payments in both physical stores and online platforms, targeting millions of international travelers passing through Dubai International Airport.
With this agreement, Dubai becomes a pioneer in crypto-enabled travel retail, aligning with the emirate’s D33 Agenda to strengthen its position as a global innovation hub and leader in smart economies.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and CEO of Emirates Airline & Group, emphasized that the partnership is “a promising step towards our shared ambition to transform travel and commerce” by exploring advanced digital payment solutions that enhance traveler experiences from booking to retail.
Strategic Partnership Details: Millions of Users Can Now Pay With Crypto
Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, and Mohammed Al Hakim, President of UAE Operations at Crypto.com, formalized the partnership at Emirates Headquarters in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, as per the press release.
Beyond payment integration, the MoU encompasses strategic collaborations, including joint marketing campaigns and customer engagement programs, designed to leverage the strengths of both organizations.
“This MoU underscores our commitment to innovation and to providing greater convenience and choice for our customers,” Cidambi stated, emphasizing how this crypto payments integration will add significant value for Dubai Duty Free’s diverse international customer base.
Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, shared similar excitement. He highlighted the partnership’s role in expanding everyday crypto use cases, stating it will “bring real momentum to the digital asset industry” while enabling both companies to offer genuine innovative finance solutions.
Dubai Duty Free aims to provide a robust foundation for implementing crypto payments, driven by its strong financial performance during the first half of 2025, with a turnover of AED 4.118 billion (US$1.128 billion), representing a 5.34% year-over-year increase.
The collaboration builds on the company’s history of embracing cutting-edge payment technologies, having previously integrated solutions like Alipay and TerraPay to create a future-ready ecosystem for global travel retail.
Both parties will now begin feasibility studies and detailed planning to implement crypto payment solutions and roll out collaborative initiatives under the agreement.
Growing Momentum in Global Crypto Adoption
Dubai Duty Free’s crypto integration complements the UAE’s digital transformation strategy, which has already yielded a successful partnership with Crypto.com for government service payments and Dubai’s Islamic Bank for Sharia-compliant products.
The timing coincides with growing global momentum for crypto payments in travel, as demonstrated by Bhutan’s recent implementation of a national-level crypto tourism payment system in partnership with Binance Pay.
Dubai’s regulatory clarity and pro-crypto stance are attracting businesses amid the EU’s stringent MiCA regulations, which have prompted crypto firms to seek more favorable jurisdictions.
The UAE’s vision of achieving 90% cashless transactions by 2026, as outlined in its Cashless Strategy, creates an ideal environment for the adoption of cryptocurrency payments.
Government officials estimate that the digital payment transition could add at least 8 billion dirhams to the local economy.
However, security concerns remain a significant barrier to widespread cryptocurrency payment adoption, with 37% of users citing hacks and fraud as the primary obstacles, according to recent industry research.
As Dubai Duty Free serves millions of international travelers annually, the partnership could further accelerate mainstream cryptocurrency adoption by demonstrating practical, everyday use cases that extend beyond current applications.
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