Emirates has launched cryptocurrency payments for eligible customers in the United Arab Emirates through Crypto.com Pay. UAE residents can use supported digital assets to book flights online, with transactions converted into Emirati dirhams through Crypto.com’s regulated payment platform.
The rollout follows a memorandum of understanding signed by Emirates and Crypto.com in July 2025 to explore digital asset payments. It comes after about a year of technical integration and operates under the UAE’s virtual asset regulatory framework, highlighting the country’s efforts to encourage financial innovation while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Partnership Moves From Agreement to Launch
Emirates said the move is aimed at giving customers more flexibility in how they pay for travel, particularly as younger consumers increasingly use digital financial services. The airline said it has seen growing demand for digital-first experiences as travellers manage bookings and payments through mobile platforms.
“Bringing this initiative to life delivers on our commitment to expanding customer choice in how they pay for travel,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer. He added that completing the integration with Crypto.com within a year reflected cooperation between both companies and support from the UAE’s regulatory environment.
Crypto.com said the partnership expands the use of its payment platform by bringing cryptocurrency transactions to Emirates customers. “Partnering with Emirates is a milestone for Crypto.com and our Pay feature,” said Eric Anziani, the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer.
How the Payment Process Works
Customers can select Crypto.com Pay during checkout and complete transactions through their Crypto.com wallets before receiving booking confirmation. The service is supported by Crypto.com’s UAE operations, which received regulatory approval to operate as a virtual asset service provider in the country.
The roll out comes at a time when Dubai is trying to boost the use of electronic payments as part of its D33 Economic Agenda. The airline is launching the new form of payment as it has recorded a record-breaking profit of AED 19.7 billion in its financial year ended March 2026, carrying 53.2 million people.
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