In a major step toward aviation innovation, Emirates Airline has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com to integrate cryptocurrency payments into its infrastructure by 2026.
Emirates Embraces Digital Payments
Emirates, one of the world’s leading airlines, announced the agreement during a formal signing ceremony attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline & Group. The MoU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and chief commercial officer, and Mohammed Al Hakim, president of Crypto.com’s UAE operations.
The new partnership will allow Emirates to implement Crypto.com Pay, enabling customers to pay for flights and services using digital currencies. The move reflects Dubai’s growing ambition to lead in blockchain integration across major industries.
“This strategic move is in line with Dubai’s vision to be at the forefront of financial innovation while providing our customers with greater flexibility and choice,” said Kazim during the announcement.
Crypto Integration to Be Paired with Marketing Push
Beyond payment functionality, Emirates and Crypto.com will collaborate on marketing and awareness campaigns to drive adoption when the service becomes available. These promotions are expected to support onboarding for both seasoned crypto users and newcomers.
By integrating blockchain-based payments into its global operations, Emirates sets a new benchmark for traditional airlines exploring digital asset acceptance in aviation.
Dubai’s Broader Crypto Strategy
Dubai has rapidly evolved into a leading hub for digital finance, with government-backed regulation providing clarity for businesses entering the crypto space. This regulatory approach has enabled sectors such as real estate, telecommunications, and government services to adopt cryptocurrency-based payment models.
Recent milestones in the UAE include:
- Tether’s partnership with Reelly Tech to facilitate real estate purchases using USDT.
- Approval of Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
- Over 600 crypto companies registered in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) free zone.
Tokenization and Real Estate Boom in Dubai
In tandem with the push for crypto payments, Dubai’s real estate market is also experiencing rapid growth. May 2025 saw a 44% year-on-year increase in sales value, totaling 66.8 billion dirhams across nearly 19,000 transactions.
A major driver of this boom is the rise of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, enabling fractional ownership and blockchain-based settlement of property deals. In May, a $3 billion tokenization initiative was launched involving MultiBank Group, MAG, and blockchain provider Mavryk.
Looking Ahead
As crypto payments become more accessible through major players like Emirates and Crypto.com, the UAE continues to solidify its position as a global fintech leader. With regulatory clarity, public-private collaboration, and rising institutional adoption, Dubai’s digital asset ecosystem is becoming a case study in real-world blockchain integration.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.