admin Emirates, the UAE’s flagship airline, is preparing to enter the world of digital payments with a major move that will allow passengers to pay for tickets and services using cryptocurrency. This step follows a newly signed preliminary agreement with Crypto.com, a global digital currency platform, as reported by Reuters.
The rollout of crypto payments is expected to begin next year, according to Emirates’ parent company. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and chief commercial officer, confirmed that the initiative is aimed at attracting a younger, more tech-oriented customer base. “We want to meet the evolving preferences of travellers who are increasingly turning to digital currencies as a preferred mode of transaction,” said Kazim.
This marks a significant shift for the airline industry, where traditional payment methods still dominate. However, Emirates is not alone—several airlines have recently begun exploring or implementing cryptocurrency-based payment systems.
UAE Emerging as a Crypto-Friendly Hub
The move by Emirates reflects a broader trend within the United Arab Emirates, which has rapidly become a hotspot for digital asset innovation. Over the past few years, the country has welcomed a growing number of crypto-related firms, many of which have chosen Dubai as their regional base.
Dubai’s efforts to create a well-regulated virtual asset market are also bearing fruit. The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), established in 2022, oversees the sector, while the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) free zone now hosts more than 650 crypto firms.
Cryptocurrency is already being used across various sectors in the UAE—from real estate and education to transport—making it one of the few countries actively integrating digital currency into everyday life.
Earlier this year, Air Arabia also announced plans to accept AE Coin, a stablecoin pegged to the UAE dirham, for flight bookings, highlighting a growing trend in the regional aviation industry.
By embracing cryptocurrency payments, Emirates aims to future-proof its services and strengthen its appeal to digital-native customers in a fast-evolving travel market.
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