Dubai is expanding its horizons in the cryptocurrency sphere by signing an agreement between Emirates Group and Crypto.com, allowing travelers to pay for flights and Duty Free purchases using cryptocurrency.
Emirates and Crypto.com Agreement
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates Group, signed a deal with Crypto.com and Dubai Duty Free to enable travelers to soon pay for flights and duty-free shopping using cryptocurrency. Emirates will integrate Crypto.com Pay for ticket bookings and in-flight services.
Broader Digital Strategy of Dubai
This agreement is part of Dubai's wider digital finance strategy. Earlier this year, Dubai's Department of Finance signed an MoU with Crypto.com to accept cryptocurrency for government services. The aim is to reach a 90% cashless target by 2026.
Importance for Market and Travelers
Dubai Duty Free recorded AED 4.118 billion in sales in the first half of 2025, a 5.3% increase year-over-year. By accepting cryptocurrency, they aim to appeal to tech-savvy, digitally fluent travelers, while Emirates can widen its customer base with cryptocurrency users.
Dubai is actively moving towards creating a secure and convenient infrastructure for cryptocurrency payments, reflecting its ambition to become a global hub for financial innovations.
