Key Takeaways:
- Emirates will integrate Crypto.com Pay by late 2025, enabling crypto payments with instant AED conversion and no crypto held on balance sheets.
- The partnership supports Dubai’s push to lead in blockchain adoption, following broader crypto acceptance across real estate and telecom sectors.
- Promotional campaigns and pilot launches are planned to encourage user adoption, with a phased rollout strategy under regulatory oversight.
Emirates has signed a memorandum of understanding with Crypto.com to integrate Crypto.com Pay into its payment system, enabling cryptocurrency payments by late 2025.
The agreement supports Dubai’s ambition to become a global blockchain and digital asset hub.
BREAKING: Airline giant Emirates announces they will be accepting Bitcoin and crypto as payment for flights. pic.twitter.com/Mqx0iNcWuP
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) July 9, 2025
Emirates will not hold crypto directly – payments will be converted instantly into UAE dirhams (AED) at real-time exchange rates.
The rollout will begin with technical setup, regulatory compliance, and user experience planning, potentially starting on select routes before a broader launch.
Emirates and Crypto.com also plan joint promotional campaigns to boost awareness and adoption.
This move follows a trend of rising crypto use in Dubai, where industries like real estate and telecoms are increasingly accepting digital assets.
Tether recently partnered with Reelly Tech for stablecoin-based property purchases, while Ripple’s RLUSD was approved by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
Over 600 blockchain firms now operate in Dubai’s DMCC.
In May alone, the city recorded $18.2 billion in real estate transactions, boosted by interest in tokenized property.
Regulatory updates are also encouraging growth in virtual asset services and tokenization across key sectors.
About The Author
Efe Bravo, a seasoned journalist, delivers compelling insights into the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry.
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