Emirates customers will be able to pay for services through Crypto.com Pay, which supports over 20 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum from 2026.
Author: Sahil Thakur
Dubai-based airline Emirates has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com to integrate cryptocurrency payments into its digital systems, with implementation expected next year. The move positions Emirates as one of the first major international carriers to offer direct crypto payment options.
Announced on Wednesday, the deal will allow Emirates customers to pay for services through Crypto.com Pay, which supports over 20 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum. It also allows for fiat currency settlements such as USD and EUR. The exact crypto tokens and Emirates services eligible for payment have not yet been disclosed.
“Partnering with Crypto.com to integrate cryptocurrency into our digital payments system reflects Emirates’ commitment to meeting evolving customer preferences,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer.
Crypto.com President and COO Eric Anziani said the partnership would bring “real momentum” to crypto adoption and allow both companies to “offer genuine innovative finance solutions.”
The partnership reflects Dubai’s growing role as a global crypto hub. The UAE has legalized the use of digital assets for payments across real estate, education, and transportation. In 2022, Dubai launched the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to regulate and support the sector.
More than 650 crypto companies now operate within Dubai’s DMCC free zone, according to local data. Emirates’ initiative follows similar moves by regional competitors – Air Arabia announced in May it would accept flight payments in AE Coin, a UAE dirham-backed stablecoin.
Crypto.com has been expanding aggressively in the region. In May, it signed an MoU with Dubai’s Department of Finance to facilitate crypto payments for government services as part of the city’s broader “cashless strategy.”
Emirates has been hinting at crypto integrations since 2022, including the possibility of Bitcoin payments. While timelines remain tentative, the partnership with Crypto.com signals serious intent to modernize airline payment options for digital-first travelers.
More details are expected as the technical rollout progresses into 2025.
| Company / Brand | Industry | Crypto Accepted | Payment Platform / Method | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify (Merchants) | E-commerce | BTC, ETH, USDC, more | Coinbase Commerce, BitPay | Global |
| Microsoft | Tech / Gaming | BTC | BitPay | Global |
| AT&T | Telecom | BTC | BitPay | U.S. |
| Newegg | Electronics | BTC, LTC, DOGE | BitPay | U.S., Canada |
| AMC Theatres | Entertainment | BTC, ETH, DOGE, SHIB | BitPay | U.S. |
| Twitch | Streaming | BTC, ETH, BCH, LTC, USDC | Coinbase / Donation | Global |
| ExpressVPN | VPN / Services | BTC, ETH, XRP, more | In-house Crypto Checkout | Global |
| Overstock | E-commerce | BTC | BitPay | U.S. |
| Gucci | Luxury Fashion | BTC, ETH, LTC, SHIB, DOGE | BitPay (POS & Online) | U.S., Europe |
| PacSun | Youth Apparel | BTC, ETH, DOGE | BitPay | U.S. |
| Tag Heuer | Luxury Watches | BTC, ETH, SHIB, more | BitPay | U.S., Europe |
| Philipp Plein | Fashion | 20+ coins incl. BTC, ETH | CoinPayments | Global |
| Hexydog | Pet Products | HEXY token | Custom Blockchain Checkout | U.S. (Online) |
| Freedx Merchants | Multi-sector | BTC | Gov-licensed gateway | El Salvador |
| UAE Retailers | Multi-sector | BTC, ETH, BNB, USDT | Binance Pay, BitPay | UAE |
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