Emirates signed agreements with Crypto.com for integrating crypto payments

The renowned airline Emirates has signed a declaration of intent (Memorandum of Understanding, Mou) with the cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com. The aim of this partnership is the integration of Crypto.com Pay into Emirates' payment systems in order to offer customers from 2026 the opportunity to pay flights and other services with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

The agreement was signed in the presence of his sovereignty Sheikh Ahikh Ahmed bining Saeed al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of the Emirates Airline & Group. The signing took place by Adnan Kazim, deputy president and Chief Commercial Officer from Emirates, as well as Mohammed Al Hakim, President of the Crypto.com UAE operations. This cooperation underlines the endeavor of Emirates to offer more flexible payment options and, above all, to address younger, technology -savvy customers who prefer digital currencies.

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Strategic orientation and dubais vision

Adnan Kazim emphasized that this step matches dubais ambitions to become a global center for blockchain and financial innovation. “This strategic decision reflects our commitment to meet the changing customer preferences and at the same time support Dubai's vision to be at the forefront of the financial innovation,” said Kazim.

The integration of Crypto.com Pay is to begin in the last quarter of 2025 and will initially focus on technical willingness, regulatory conformity and an optimal customer experience. Customer crypto payments are converted into real time into UAE Dirham (AED), so that Emirates will not keep cryptocurrencies on his accounts to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

In addition to the payment integration, Emirates and Crypto.com plan joint marketing campaigns to promote acceptance and awareness of this new payment method. These initiatives aim to bring customers closer to the use of cryptocurrencies and to establish their use in everyday life.

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Dubai as a crypto hub

The partnership is part of a larger trend in the United Arab Emirates, which are increasingly establishing themselves as a hub for crypto companies. Dubai is now home to over 650 crypto companies in the Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) and has created a clear regulatory framework for digital assets with the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (Vara) since 2022. Cryptocurrencies for real estate purchases, school fees and transport services can already be used in the VAE.

Other industries in Dubai also rely on cryptocurrencies. The government of Dubai signed an agreement with Crypto.com in May 2025 to enable crypto payments for government services. In addition, Ripple's Rlusd-Stablecoin was recently approved by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) for use in the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC).

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Pioneering work in aviation

With this initiative, Emirates is involved in the growing list of airlines that accept cryptocurrencies, but follows pioneers like the Latvian airline Airbaltic, which has been accepting Bitcoin payments since 2014. However, Emirates is the largest airline that takes this step and could thus create a precedent for the industry.

The integration of crypto payments is initially tested on selected routes or regions before a global introduction is carried out. With over 150 million passengers annually, Emirates offers an important platform to promote the acceptance of cryptocurrencies in the travel and retail sector.

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