Emirates to Introduce Crypto Payments by Late 2025

In a major move blending traditional aviation with the digital economy, Emirates airline has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com to enable cryptocurrency payments through its platform. The initiative is expected to go live in the final quarter of 2025. Once implemented, customers will be able to use Crypto.com Pay when booking Emirates flights, marking a significant step towards mainstream adoption of digital currencies in global travel.

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group. The MoU was officially signed by Adnan Kazim, deputy president and chief commercial officer of Emirates, and Mohammed Al Hakim, president of Crypto.com’s UAE operations.

Kazim described the move as a strategic alignment with Dubai’s vision of being a pioneer in financial innovation, while offering customers greater flexibility in transactions.

Rollout Strategy and Settlement Details
Crypto.com confirmed that the initial phase will focus on ensuring technical readiness, regulatory compliance, and refining customer experience. The integration could begin on specific routes or regional markets before a broader global rollout. Pilot phases are expected before a full-scale launch.

To ensure compliance and reduce currency risks, Emirates will not retain any cryptocurrency. Instead, customer payments will be instantly converted into UAE dirhams (AED) using real-time exchange rates. All settlements will be processed in fiat currency, ensuring minimal foreign exchange exposure for the airline.

Broader Collaboration and Marketing Campaigns
In addition to integrating Crypto.com Pay, both parties plan to launch joint promotional campaigns aimed at boosting user awareness and adoption. Crypto.com is also exploring additional partnerships with international and regional airlines as part of its broader strategy to create a universal crypto payment layer for travel, retail, and hospitality.

A spokesperson from Crypto.com highlighted their long-term goal of building seamless and compliant crypto-based payment systems that cater to the evolving needs of global travellers.

Dubai Strengthens Its Position in Digital Finance
The collaboration comes as Dubai continues its rapid ascent as a hub for blockchain and digital asset projects. Supported by clear regulations and a pro-innovation approach, sectors such as real estate and telecommunications in the emirate are increasingly accepting crypto payments.

Earlier this year, stablecoin issuer Tether partnered with UAE-based Reelly Tech to facilitate property purchases using its USDt token through 30,000 global agents. Additionally, the Dubai Financial Services Authority recently approved Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin for use in virtual asset services within the Dubai International Financial Centre.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre has already attracted over 600 crypto companies, while other firms are rapidly establishing bases in hubs like the DIFC and One Central as the UAE positions itself as a leader in the digital finance landscape.

Tokenisation Boosts Dubai’s Real Estate Market
Dubai’s real estate sector is also experiencing a surge in activity, thanks in part to the increasing integration of blockchain. In May 2025, real estate transactions reached a record 66.8 billion dirhams (around 18.2 billion US dollars), marking a 44 percent year-on-year increase.

The growth is closely tied to new tokenisation initiatives, including a 3 billion dollar real-world asset (RWA) deal involving MultiBank Group, property developer MAG, and blockchain infrastructure firm Mavryk. On 19 May, Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority updated its framework to include guidelines for RWA tokenisation, giving legal clarity to platforms and issuers operating in the space.

Legal expert Irina Heaver stated that these updates provide a robust foundation for the trading and issuance of tokenised real estate assets, opening up new possibilities in the market.