- Emirates signs MoU with Crypto․com to accept cryptocurrency for ticket bookings from 2026.
- Dubai Duty Free will also support crypto payments, both in-store and online.
- The move aligns with Dubai’s vision to lead innovation in travel, retail, and fintech.
Emirates Airlines has announced a strategic move to integrate cryptocurrency into its ticket booking system by 2026, following a new partnership with global crypto platform Crypto․com.
In addition to flight payments, the agreement extends to Dubai Duty Free, where travelers will soon be able to use digital assets to shop at the airport’s retail outlets.
Sky High with Crypto: Emirates and Dubai Duty Free Set to Accept Digital Currency
The partnership between Emirates and Crypto․com marks a milestone in mainstream adoption of digital currencies, particularly in the aviation sector. Scheduled for rollout in 2026, the initiative will allow customers to purchase flight tickets using various cryptocurrencies, simplifying transactions for a global customer base that increasingly relies on decentralized finance.
This development is not happening in isolation. Dubai Duty Free has also signed an MoU with Crypto․com to incorporate crypto payments in its airport stores and e-commerce platforms. By embracing digital payments, the city’s flagship retail operation is redefining convenience for millions of international passengers passing through Dubai International Airport annually.
Dubai‘s government has created a robust regulatory framework to support crypto initiatives, including the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), formed in 2022. With more than 650 crypto companies now based in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, the city has become a magnet for blockchain innovation. The recent MoU between the Dubai Land Department and Crypto․com further expands crypto’s reach into real estate investment.
As the digital currency landscape matures, collaborations like this help build consumer trust and normalize crypto as a mode of daily transaction. Emirates and Dubai Duty Free’s commitment to offering cryptocurrency options doesn’t just modernize their services—it helps position Dubai as a forward-thinking metropolis driving the next wave of global commerce.
By embracing crypto payments across travel and retail, Emirates and Dubai Duty Free are redefining global travel convenience while reinforcing Dubai’s role as a fintech pioneer.
“The future is already here — it’s just not evenly distributed.” — William Gibson
