Emirates Airline and Dubai Duty Free are taking steps to integrate cryptocurrency into their payment systems through separate partnerships with digital asset platform Crypto.com, as part of Dubai’s broader ambition to position itself as a global digital finance hub.
Emirates plans to accept cryptocurrency payments starting in 2026, according to an announcement.
The airline signed a memorandum of understanding with Crypto.com that will see the platform’s payment solution, Crypto.com Pay, embedded into Emirates’ booking channels.
Customers will be able to use digital currencies for flight tickets and other services. The agreement also includes provisions for regulatory compliance and joint marketing initiatives aimed at promoting crypto adoption.
The airline said the move reflects its ongoing efforts to deliver flexible and innovative customer experiences, with a focus on younger and more digitally inclined travelers.
The initiative is in line with Dubai’s goal of being at the forefront of financial and technological innovation.
Separately, Dubai Duty Free signed its own memorandum of understanding with Crypto.com to explore cryptocurrency acceptance across its retail channels.
The initiative covers both in-store and online transactions and includes joint customer engagement and promotional efforts.
The retailer, which serves a global customer base, aims to offer broader payment options while enhancing convenience for international travelers.
Crypto.com said both agreements mark significant progress in the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency in the region.
The digital asset platform sees the partnerships as critical in driving momentum for broader integration of digital finance in daily consumer transactions.
The developments come as Dubai Duty Free reported strong financial performance in the first half of 2025, with turnover reaching $1.128 billion, a 5.34 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The retailer has previously supported a range of alternative payment options including Alipay and TerraPay, reinforcing its role as an early adopter of digital technologies in retail.