Emirates and Dubai Duty Free plan to accept crypto payments

Emirates Airline and Dubai Duty Free have both signed agreements to explore accepting crypto payments such as Bitcoin from 2026.

 

Both companies have inked partnerships with global crypto exchange Crypto.com to accept digital currencies for flights and services, in a move that aligns with Dubai’s D33 Agenda to make the emirate a leader in tech innovation.

 

This would make Emirates one of the largest global carriers to directly accept cryptocurrencies through Crypto.com Pay.

 

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, said the move would tap into "younger, tech-savvy customers" who prefer digital currencies and appreciate greater flexibility and choice.

 

There is still a great deal of hype and uncertainty around cryptocurrencies from traditional travellers and Emirates intends to maintain the highest standards when it comes to security and compliance if indeed it does go ahead with the integration.

 

RELATED:

RAK tokenises travel in next-gen loyalty programme first

Travel sellers to access Riyadh Air bookings via Verteil

UAE leading the way in travel technology, reports WTTC

 

As per D33, Dubai is positioning itself as a global cryptocurrency hub with a robust regulatory framework, and a number of companies are already accepting payments via crypto.

 

Back in 2022, luxury hotel Palazzo Versace Dubai allowed guests to pay for stays and experiences in crypto through a partnership with Binance.

 

And in January this year, travel platform Solartrip expanded into the MENA region, accepting crypto payments for partners including Amadeus, Expedia and Booking.com.

 

Emirates will not be the first airline from the region to accept alternative payments. In May 2025, low-cost-carrier Air Arabia partnered with Mbank to allow payments in AE Coin – the UAE’s first AED-backed stablecoin.

 

A growing number of airlines and travel platforms worldwide now accept cryptocurrency payments for flight bookings and services, including Latvia’s airBaltic, a pioneer in the space, and platforms such as Alternative Airlines and Travala, where users can book flights on more than 600 global airlines using more than 100 cryptocurrencies. 

 

For more information, visit www.emirates.com