Emirates Dubai airline has reportedly signed a preliminary agreement with Crypto.com, which will allow customers to make payments using the crypto trading platform’s services.
According to an official statement on Wednesday, the collaboration is expected to take effect next year and is aimed at young and tech-savvy consumers who are increasingly choosing digital currencies as their preferred payment method.
Emirates Vice President Adnan Kazim said the move aims to meet the needs of modern customers and open up new opportunities in the digital travel experience.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is increasingly recognized as a major hub for global crypto companies, with many firms setting up operations or planning to expand in the region.
Cryptocurrency payments are also increasingly widely accepted, including in the real estate, education and transportation sectors.
In Dubai, the establishment of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in 2022 will strengthen regulation of the digital asset sector. One of the city’s largest free zones, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), is now home to more than 650 crypto companies.
Meanwhile, the attraction of digital assets is growing in the aviation sector.
Airline Air Arabia (AIRA.DU) announced in May that it would accept the stablecoin AE Coin, which is backed by the UAE dirham, as a payment method for bookings.
