Dubai Embracing Cryptocurrencies as Part of Cashless Strategy

Dubai is embracing cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology to transform its economy. The city's Cashless Strategy aims to digitize 90% of transactions by 2027, with a focus on the public and private sectors. One of the most visible signs of this shift comes from the travel sector, where Emirates has introduced Crypto.com Pay as a payment option for customers booking in dirhams via the airline's website or app.

The retail sector is also making moves, with Dubai Duty Free allowing UAE residents to pay with Crypto.com Pay at Dubai's airports and online. This integration follows a memorandum of understanding signed between Emirates and Crypto.com in 2025 to explore the use of cryptocurrencies in digital checkouts.

The public sector is also getting on board, with plans to allow residents to pay fees for government services using cryptocurrency. Under this model, payments made via the Crypto.com platform's wallet are converted into dirhams before reaching public accounts.