Emirates Partners with Crypto․com to Integrate Crypto Payments

Emirates has taken a significant step towards integrating cryptocurrency into its payment systems by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Crypto․com. This agreement, formalized on July 8 at the Emirates Group Headquarters in Dubai, aims to explore the integration of crypto payment services into the airline's retail operations. The partnership is expected to take effect next year and was announced by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Duty Free.

The MoU represents a strategic move towards enhancing the travel and commerce experience by leveraging advanced digital payment solutions. According to the company’s press statement, the agreement will enable both parties to pursue marketing initiatives, partnerships, and customer engagement programs to improve the user experience on both platforms. Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, emphasized the airline's commitment to innovation and providing greater convenience and choice for customers. He stated, “This MoU underscores our commitment to innovation and to providing greater convenience and choice for our customers. Dubai Duty Free wants to enhance the retail experience. Embracing digital currency payments is a forward-looking step that will add significant value for our diverse customer base and support our vision for sustained growth.”

Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto․com, highlighted the significance of the partnership, calling it a “boost to the everyday crypto use in the region.” He added, “Integration with exceptional partners such as Dubai Duty Free brings real momentum to the digital asset industry. It enables both companies to offer innovative finance solutions and supports Dubai’s broader vision for digital leadership.” Alain Yacine, President of Crypto․com Middle East, also expressed enthusiasm about the new memorandum, stating that it provides a platform to achieve this with an exceptional partner in the region.

This partnership is part of the UAE’s broader plan to encourage local institutions to integrate blockchain and digital assets into public and private sector operations. Just days before the Emirates deal, the Dubai Land Department announced a separate MoU with Crypto․com to develop a blockchain-based ecosystem for virtual real estate investment. The initiative falls under Dubai’s Real Estate Strategy 2033, which targets significant real estate transactions under blockchain and tokenized asset technologies. Additionally, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) recently approved the QCD Money Market Fund (QCDT), the first tokenized money market fund in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Despite the institutional adoption of crypto in the UAE, regulators have also taken steps to clarify the legal recognition of digital assets. Over the weekend, The Open Network (TON) announced a program offering 10-year UAE golden visas in exchange for a three-year stake of $100,000 worth of Toncoin, along with a one-time processing fee of $35,000. However, the Emirates News Agency later issued a statement refuting TON’s claims, clarifying that digital asset holdings do not qualify for UAE golden visa eligibility. This move underscores the regulatory framework's importance in ensuring the legitimacy and security of digital asset initiatives in the region.