Emirates is the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, based in Dubai. As one of the world's largest international airlines, Emirates operates a global network spanning six continents with a modern fleet of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.
Crypto Payments via Crypto.com Pay
In July 2026, Emirates officially launched Crypto.com Pay™ as a checkout payment option on both emirates.com and the Emirates App. The partnership, first announced via a Memorandum of Understanding in July 2025, enables eligible UAE residents to pay for flight bookings using cryptocurrency through their Crypto.com wallet.
How It Works
- On mobile: Customers booking through the Emirates App are directed to the Crypto.com app to complete payment from their wallet, then redirected back to the Emirates App to receive their booking confirmation and e-ticket.
- On desktop: Customers select Crypto.com Pay™ at the payment step on emirates.com, scan a QR code displayed on the booking page, and approve the payment in their Crypto.com app. The booking confirmation and e-ticket are then issued on screen.
Regulatory Compliance
The integration is powered by Crypto.com's Dubai entity, the first Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) to be granted a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) licence by the Central Bank of the UAE. Transactions are processed securely and in compliance with UAE regulatory standards, and Crypto.com Pay™ is available to eligible UAE residents for bookings priced and settled in Emirati Dirham (AED).
Strategic Context
The launch supports the Dubai Cashless Strategy under the D33 Economic Agenda, which aims to make 90% of all financial transactions across government and private sectors digital by the end of 2026. It builds on Emirates' partnership with Dubai Finance to advance digital payments and reflects the UAE's ambition to lead in fintech and the digital economy.
