Emirates Airline and Dubai Duty Free are set to integrate cryptocurrency into their payment systems, aligning with Dubai’s efforts to position itself as a global hub for digital finance.

Emirates plans to begin accepting crypto payments in 2026 following a Memorandum of Understanding with global digital asset platform Crypto.com. The agreement will see Crypto.com Pay integrated into Emirates’ platforms, allowing customers to use digital currencies to book flights and other services. The partnership also includes regulatory compliance measures and co-branded marketing to support adoption.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said the initiative reflects the airline’s commitment to flexibility and innovation, especially in catering to younger, tech-savvy travelers. “This strategic move is in line with Dubai’s vision to be at the forefront of financial innovation,” he noted.

In a parallel move, Dubai Duty Free has signed a separate Memorandum of Understanding with Crypto.com to explore enabling cryptocurrency payments across its retail operations, both in-store and online. The agreement also includes plans for joint marketing campaigns and customer engagement initiatives.

Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said the initiative aims to provide greater convenience and choice for the millions of international travelers Dubai Duty Free serves each year. “We believe that embracing digital currency payments, such as cryptocurrency, is a forward-looking step that will add significant value for our diverse customer base,” he said.

Crypto.com President and COO Eric Anziani described both agreements as key milestones in advancing mainstream crypto adoption in the region, calling the partnerships a “real momentum boost” for digital finance.

The move comes amid strong financial results for Dubai Duty Free, which reported a turnover of $1.128 billion in the first half of 2025, a 5.34% year-on-year increase. The retailer has previously adopted alternative payment options such as Alipay and TerraPay, reinforcing its position as an early mover in digital retail innovation.