Emirates Airlines has announced a strategic partnership with Crypto.com, aimed at integrating cryptocurrency payment solutions across Dubai’s travel landscape.
As part of this initiative, Dubai Duty Free has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the global cryptocurrency exchange, facilitating digital asset payments for transactions both in-store and online. This move is set to cater to the millions of international travelers who frequent Dubai International Airport.
This collaboration positions Dubai at the forefront of crypto-enabled travel retail, aligning with the emirate’s D33 Agenda designed to bolster its status as a global hub for innovation and smart economies.
.@Emirates, @DubaiDutyFree, and @Cryptocom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enable digital payment solutions for travellers.
This partnership agreement represents a promising step towards our shared ambition to transform travel and commerce. By exploring advanced… pic.twitter.com/k4FvhBrXbp
— HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (@HHAhmedBinSaeed) July 9, 2025
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO of Emirates Airline & Group, remarked that this partnership represents “a promising step towards our shared ambition to transform travel and commerce.” He highlighted the goal of utilizing advanced digital payment solutions to elevate traveler experiences from booking through to retail.
Details on the Strategic Partnership: Enabling Crypto Payments for Millions
The partnership was formalized at Emirates Headquarters by Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, and Mohammed Al Hakim, President of UAE Operations at Crypto.com, in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, according to a press release.
In addition to payment integration, the MoU includes plans for strategic collaborations such as joint marketing campaigns and customer engagement initiatives that will take advantage of both organizations’ strengths.
“This MoU underscores our commitment to innovation and providing greater convenience and choice for our customers,” stated Cidambi, stressing how the integration of crypto payments will significantly benefit Dubai Duty Free’s diverse international clientele.
Echoing this enthusiasm, Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, emphasized the agreement’s potential to expand everyday use cases for cryptocurrency. He noted that the partnership will “bring real momentum to the digital asset industry,” allowing both companies to provide truly innovative financial solutions.
Dubai Duty Free’s strategy for implementing crypto payments is underpinned by its strong financial performance in the first half of 2025, achieving a turnover of AED 4.118 billion (approximately US$1.128 billion), marking a 5.34% increase year-over-year.
The collaboration builds on the company’s commitment to leveraging advanced payment technologies, having previously incorporated solutions such as Alipay and TerraPay to create a future-ready environment for global travel retail.
Next steps include conducting feasibility studies and detailed planning to roll out cryptocurrency payment solutions and collaborative programs as set forth in the agreement.
The Global Shift Towards Cryptocurrency Adoption
The integration of cryptocurrency payments at Dubai Duty Free supports the UAE’s broader digital transformation strategy, which has already seen success through partnerships with Crypto.com for government service payments and Dubai’s Islamic Bank for Sharia-compliant products.
Dubai has signed an agreement with global crypto exchange @cryptocom to enable cryptocurrency payments for government services.#Dubai #Cryptohttps://t.co/Ei4F5lpzAI
— Finance Newso.com (@Finance Newso) May 13, 2025
This development comes at a time when the trend towards crypto payments in the travel sector is gaining traction, evidenced by Bhutan’s recent launch of a nationwide crypto tourism payment system in collaboration with Binance Pay.
Furthermore, Dubai’s regulatory clarity and favorable stance toward cryptocurrencies are attracting businesses, especially as firms in the European Union navigate stringent MiCA regulations that have prompted many to seek more inviting jurisdictions.
The UAE is on track to achieve 90% cashless transactions by 2026, as outlined in its Cashless Strategy, positioning it as an ideal setting for cryptocurrency payment adoption.
Officials estimate that a transition to digital payments could inject an additional 8 billion dirhams into the local economy.
However, security concerns continue to pose challenges for broader cryptocurrency payment acceptance, with 37% of users identifying hacks and fraud as significant obstacles, according to recent research in the field.
As Dubai Duty Free caters to millions of travelers annually, this partnership is poised to further propel the acceptance of cryptocurrency by showcasing practical, everyday applications that go beyond current uses.
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