Dubai Signs Deal With Crypto.com – Pay for Flights and Shopping in Crypto

Key Points

1. Emirates Group Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum signed a deal with Crypto.com and Dubai Duty Free to enable cryptocurrency payments for ticket bookings and in-flight services.

2. Dubai Duty Free plans to accept crypto payments both online and in-store, supporting Dubai's vision of becoming a hub for financial innovation.

3. This agreement is part of Dubai's broader digital finance strategy, which includes accepting crypto for government service fees and aiming for 90% cashless transactions by 2026.

4. Dubai Duty Free recorded AED 4.118 billion in sales in the first half of 2025, a 5.3% rise year-over-year, and aims to attract more customers by offering crypto payments.

5. Dubai is recognized as one of the world’s most crypto-friendly hubs, with supportive laws, zero-tax zones, and active licensing by Dubai’s VARA.