Emirates is preparing for takeoff — not just in the skies, but in crypto rails.
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The Dubai-based carrier has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com (CRO-USD), confirming that it will integrate Crypto.com Pay into its payments system, with the rollout expected to begin in Q4 2025. The announcement puts Emirates at the front of the line among global airlines leaning into blockchain infrastructure and next-gen digital payments.
The deal was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, and marks a significant step in Dubai’s broader ambition to lead in financial innovation.
Instant Conversion, Zero Crypto on the Balance Sheet
When the feature goes live, travelers will be able to pay for flights and services using a variety of cryptocurrencies. But Emirates won’t be holding any crypto on its books. A Crypto.com spokesperson confirmed that all crypto payments will be instantly converted to AED at real-time exchange rates at the moment of purchase.
“The goal is full compliance, minimal FX exposure, and a frictionless user experience,” they said.
The first stage will focus on technical readiness, regulatory alignment, and customer UX mapping, with discussions ongoing about whether to start the rollout by region, route, or go for a global pilot.
This Is What Full-Scale Crypto Adoption Looks Like in Dubai
The Emirates–Crypto.com deal comes as Dubai cements its position as the capital of crypto commerce. The city’s regulatory clarity and infrastructure, from DIFC to the DMCC free zone, have attracted over 600 crypto firms, including major players like Ripple (XRP-USD), Tether, and Reelly Tech.
Earlier this year, Tether (USDT-USD) partnered with UAE-based Reelly Tech to enable stablecoin real estate transactions. In June, Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin was approved by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, enabling licensed entities in DIFC to integrate RLUSD into virtual asset services.
The Dubai government also recently selected Crypto.com as an official partner for enabling crypto payments on government services. This further deepens the company’s integration into the region’s economic core.
For Crypto.com, the Emirates deal adds fuel to a broader push into travel, retail, and hospitality payments. The exchange wants to be more than a trading platform, it’s building what it calls a “universal crypto travel layer”, bringing seamless settlement into real-world commerce.
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