Dubai, UAE — July 2026 — Emirates has officially launched Crypto.com Pay, allowing customers to use the digital payment service when booking flights through the airline’s website and mobile app.
The rollout marks the culmination of a partnership first announced in July 2025, when the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to explore integrating the service into Emirates’ digital payment systems.
According to a press statement, customers with a Crypto.com account can now select the service as a payment method when completing a booking. The service is currently available to eligible users in the United Arab Emirates for bookings priced and settled in UAE dirhams, with payments processed in line with the country’s applicable regulatory standards.
The integration is operated through Crypto.com’s Dubai-based entity, which holds a Stored Value Facilities license from the Central Bank of the UAE — making it the first virtual asset service provider to obtain such a license, and operates within that regulatory framework.
The launch supports Dubai’s cashless strategy under the Dubai Economic Agenda, which aims to convert 90 percent of government and private sector transactions to digital by the end of 2026.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said the launch reflects the airline’s commitment to expanding customer choice and offering greater flexibility in how travelers pay for their flights, in line with rapidly evolving payment trends and digital consumer behavior.
He noted that today’s customers, particularly younger, tech-savvy generations, expect a more flexible and seamless travel experience, from the moment of planning and booking on mobile devices through every touchpoint with the airline.
Kazim added that moving the partnership from signing to full launch within a year reflects clarity of vision and execution speed on both sides, and underscores the role of the UAE and Dubai’s advanced regulatory environment in turning innovation into practical solutions that enhance customer experience and reinforce the country’s position as a global hub for fintech and the digital economy.
Eric Anziani, President and Chief Operating Officer of Crypto.com, called the collaboration a significant milestone for the company and its payment service, noting that the partnership reflects the UAE’s pioneering approach to supporting innovation.
Mohammed Al Hakim, President and General Manager for the region at Crypto.com, described the launch as a historic milestone for both companies, representing months of joint work to turn last year’s memorandum of understanding into a tangible reality for customers.
Regarding the payment process: Crypto.com Pay will appear as a payment option when customers reach that stage of booking a flight. When booking through the Emirates app, customers are redirected to the Crypto.com app to complete payment from their digital wallet, then automatically returned to the Emirates app to receive their booking confirmation and e-ticket.
When booking via computer, customers select Crypto.com Pay at checkout, scan the QR code displayed on the booking page using the Crypto.com app, and approve the payment, after which the booking confirmation and e-ticket are issued directly.
