Emirates Airline has taken a bold step toward embracing digital finance by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com.
The agreement aims to explore integrating Crypto.com Pay into the airline’s payment ecosystem, with implementation expected in 2025.
The MoU was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Chairman and CEO, alongside key executives from both parties, including Emirates Deputy President Adnan Kazim and Crypto.com UAE President Mohammed Al Hakim.
Emirates’ move aligns with Dubai’s broader ambition to become a global crypto and financial innovation hub. By offering support for cryptocurrency payments, Emirates aims to serve the preferences of younger, tech-savvy travelers who value flexibility and digital-first solutions.
Adnan Kazim emphasized the strategic significance of the partnership, noting that it underscores Emirates’ commitment to adapting to changing customer expectations. “This initiative opens the door to a new era of payment innovation, further strengthening Dubai’s position as a leader in digital finance,” he said.
Crypto.com’s President and COO, Eric Anziani, welcomed the collaboration as a major milestone. He highlighted the airline’s global reach and reputation as key factors in expanding real-world use cases for digital assets. “Working with a trusted global partner like Emirates will accelerate mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency as a viable form of payment,” he added.
The collaboration also includes plans for joint promotional campaigns to boost awareness and encourage usage of the new payment solution once integrated.
As Dubai’s regulatory framework continues to support the safe adoption of blockchain technology, Emirates’ entry into crypto payments may inspire other major airlines and travel companies to follow suit.
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