Emirates Launches Crypto Payments for UAE Customers Through Crypto.com

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, reflecting how the country has paired support for financial innovation with formal oversight as more consumer services move onto digital payment rails.

Partnership Moves From Agreement to Launch

Emirates said the move is intended to give 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 travelers 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 rollout comes as Dubai seeks to boost the use of electronic payments under its D33 Economic Agenda, adding another high-profile travel brand to the city’s broader push toward digital commerce. Emirates is launching the new payment option after reporting a record profit of AED 19.7 billion for its financial year ended March 2026, while carrying 53.2 million people.

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