Emirates, one of the world’s leading airlines, in collaboration with Dubai Duty Free and the cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com, has signed a memorandum of cooperation to implement cryptocurrency payments for travelers. This was announced by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates Group and President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
This is reported by Business • Media
Integration of Digital Payments for Tourists
As part of the new partnership, the parties plan to introduce innovative digital payment solutions, including the use of cryptocurrencies, in the travel and retail sectors. This will enable tourists to make payments using modern technologies when booking tickets, shopping at airport stores, and utilizing other services that accompany their travels.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum emphasized that the implementation of crypto payments will enhance customer interaction with services and increase convenience for travelers at every stage of their journey.
“This partnership agreement is a promising step towards achieving our shared goal of transforming the travel and retail sectors. We aim to improve the experience of travelers at all stages—from booking to retail—while supporting the Dubai D33 agenda aimed at strengthening the city’s position as a global hub for innovation and a ‘smart’ economy,” Al Maktoum emphasized.
Support for the Dubai D33 Strategy and Further Development
This initiative is part of a broader Dubai D33 strategy, which involves active digitization of the public and commercial sectors. The main goal of this strategy is to double Dubai’s gross domestic product by 2033 and establish the city as a global center for innovation and digital technologies.
It is worth noting that earlier, the UAE state oil company Emarat, in partnership with Crypto.com, had already implemented the ability to pay with cryptocurrencies at its gas stations, indicating a gradual expansion of the use of digital assets in various sectors of the country’s life.