Abu Dhabi Airports' Crypto Wallet Powers UAE's Digital Economy Vision

Abu Dhabi Airports has announced a partnership with Al Hail Holding and fintech platform Xare to develop crypto payment solutions for travelers, marking a significant step in the UAE's push for blockchain and fintech innovation. The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), aims to create a regulated digital wallet for inbound passengers at Zayed International Airport, integrating stablecoin and digital-asset capabilities to facilitate cashless transactions Abu Dhabi Airports partners with Al Hail Holding on crypto …^[1]. The initiative aligns with the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, emphasizing the nation's commitment to advancing financial technology and sustainable mobility .

The digital wallet will enable travelers to conduct secure, seamless payments for services such as retail, transit, and airport amenities, reducing reliance on traditional payment methods and currency conversions Abu Dhabi Airports to pilot stablecoin payments and digital wallets^[2]. The project will also explore AI-driven systems and sustainable infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and environmental performance Abu Dhabi's Zayed Airport to test digital wallet for cashless travel^[3]. Abu Dhabi Airports will provide infrastructure and operational access, while Al Hail Holding will manage governance and regulatory engagement. Xare, the technology partner, will develop the wallet's architecture and merchant connectivity, leveraging its expertise in instant onboarding and programmable payments .

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, emphasized that the partnership aims to transform airports into platforms for digital commerce, redefining convenience and financial access for travelers Abu Dhabi Airports to pilot stablecoin payments and digital wallets^[2]. Hamad Al Darwish, CEO of Al Hail Holding, highlighted the initiative's alignment with the UAE's vision for a diversified economy, stating that the collaboration will create opportunities for innovation in financial services and mobility . Milind Singh, co-founder of Xare, noted the potential for unlocking new traveler experiences and monetization opportunities through the integration of advanced payment technologies .

The project will unfold in phases, with early adopters testing the wallet's usability, security, and merchant integration. A joint steering committee will oversee development, ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering rules and data privacy standards Abu Dhabi Airports, Al Hail Holding and Xare forge landmark^[5]. Analysts view the move as a strategic effort to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in smart travel and digital finance, with potential benefits including faster transactions, reduced fraud exposure, and enhanced cross-border convenience for frequent travelers Abu Dhabi Airports, Al Hail Holding and Xare forge landmark^[5].

The partnership builds on the UAE's growing adoption of digital assets, including recent initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department's integration of cryptocurrency for legal service fees Abu Dhabi Airports to pilot stablecoin payments and digital wallets^[2]. By piloting crypto-linked payments at Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi Airports aims to demonstrate the feasibility of cashless ecosystems in high-traffic environments, potentially expanding the model to other sectors and jurisdictions Abu Dhabi Airports, Al Hail Holding and Xare forge landmark^[5].