One user on Crypto.com’s forum described the new payment option as a "big deal for regional travel flexibility." Emirates’ recent rollout of Crypto.com Pay now allows eligible UAE-based customers to settle their flight bookings directly with cryptocurrency, provided the transaction is in UAE dirhams. This service launched on July 28, integrating smoothly into emirates.com and the Emirates App.
Mobile users pay through the Crypto.com app by approving the transaction within their wallet before returning to Emirates for ticket confirmation. Desktop users follow a slightly different process: they scan a QR code during checkout and approve payment through the same Crypto.com app. The arrangement is powered by Crypto.com’s UAE entity, which operates under a Central Bank Stored Value Facilities licence, ensuring regulatory compliance for stored-value transactions.
However, the payment option is currently limited to bookings denominated and settled in dirhams and only accessible to customers with active Crypto.com accounts residing in the UAE. The partnership between Emirates and Crypto.com was first announced in mid-2025, but the rollout awaited technical readiness and regulatory approval before going live. Details on supported cryptocurrencies, fees, exchange rates, and refund policies have not been fully disclosed, leaving some practical questions unanswered for users.
This move aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of becoming cashless under the D33 Agenda, accelerating crypto adoption in everyday spending. While Emirates hasn’t extended this payment method to international customers or bookings in other currencies, the initiative marks a notable step in integrating digital assets into global travel payments. This also follows broader trends of expanding crypto payment options, similar to developments seen with Visa’s blockchain and stablecoin efforts.
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.
