Emirates Limits Crypto Payments to UAE Residents Only
Emirates Airline has launched a cryptocurrency payment option on its website and mobile app, but it's only available to UAE residents settling tickets in dirhams. The airline partnered with Crypto.com to activate the Crypto.com Pay gateway on July 28, 2026.
The new feature is limited by geographical and currency restrictions from day one. Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said that the process moved quickly following the signing of the initial memorandum of understanding on July 9, 2025.
The operational mechanism does not transfer digital assets directly to the airline's coffers. Customers pay the amount from their digital wallets, but Emirates receives the final settlement in dirhams or in stablecoins backed by the local currency.