Imagine booking your next Emirates flight using cryptocurrency. That future is now within reach, as the airline teamed up with leading digital assets platform Crypto.com to explore accepting crypto payments across its services.

Under a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed this week, Emirates and Crypto.com will work together to integrate Crypto.com Pay into the airline’s payment systems — a move expected to roll out in 2025.

The partnership marks a significant step for both brands, and for Dubai’s broader ambitions to become a global hub for fintech and digital innovation.

The signing took place in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, alongside Michael Doersam, Emirates’ chief financial and group services Officer.

The agreement was formalised by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and CCO, and Mohammed Al Hakim, president of Crypto.com’s UAE operations.

“Partnering with Crypto.com to integrate cryptocurrency into our digital payments system reflects Emirates’ commitment to meeting evolving customer preferences,” said Kazim. “It’s in line with Dubai’s vision to be at the forefront of financial innovation, while giving our customers more flexibility in how they transact with us.”

For Crypto.com, it’s another high-profile collaboration that brings cryptocurrency further into the mainstream.

“This partnership brings real momentum to the digital asset industry,” said Eric Anziani, president and COO of Crypto.com. “Working with a global brand like Emirates allows us to expand crypto’s everyday use cases and offer innovative finance solutions for customers in the region.”

The two companies will also explore joint marketing campaigns to build awareness and encourage travellers to consider crypto as a payment option.

The move follows a growing trend in Dubai, where a wave of companies — from real estate developers to telecoms — are already accepting cryptocurrency. With supportive regulations and a rapidly growing digital economy, the UAE is positioning itself as a trailblazer in the global crypto space.

So if you’ve been watching crypto from the sidelines, your next Emirates booking might just give you a reason to join the digital currency club.