Crypto.com Expands Presence in UAE with Major Partnerships
Crypto.com has made significant strides in establishing a strong presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through strategic partnerships in key sectors such as aviation, real estate, and public services.
Over the past few months, the crypto exchange has entered into partnerships with prominent institutions in the UAE, including Emirates Airlines, the Dubai Land Department, and the Dubai Department of Finance, positioning itself as a key player in the country’s digital transformation efforts.
Emirates Airlines Embraces Crypto Payments
In a landmark announcement on July 9, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, revealed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Emirates Airlines, Crypto.com, and the Dubai Duty Free center. This partnership aims to explore innovative digital payment solutions for travelers using cryptocurrencies.
Sheikh Al Maktoum highlighted that the collaboration reflects a mutual goal to modernize the travel and commerce experience within Dubai’s infrastructure. By integrating crypto payments across various touchpoints, from ticket booking to in-airport purchases, the partnership aligns with Dubai’s D33 Agenda, which seeks to bolster the city’s reputation as a hub for innovation and a smart economy.
The Dubai Duty Free Center expressed its enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re taking a bold step into the future of travel retail – bringing more convenience, security, and innovation to your airport shopping experience. With this new planned payment option, travelers will soon be able to pay using leading digital currencies, making their journey even more seamless and modern.”
Crypto.com’s Collaborations with Dubai’s Government and Real Estate Sector
Prior to the Emirates partnership, Crypto.com signed a deal with the Dubai Land Department on July 6 to establish a blockchain-based investment infrastructure for virtual real estate. This initiative aims to support Dubai’s Real Estate Strategy 2033 by facilitating property tokenization, investor verification, and crypto transactions. While Crypto.com will provide technology and advisory services, the Land Department will oversee compliance and pilot implementation.
In May, the Dubai Department of Finance (DOF) also entered into an MoU with Crypto.com during the Dubai FinTech Summit to modernize public services. This partnership enables the payment of government service fees with cryptocurrencies, in line with the city’s Cashless Strategy to digitize financial transactions across public services using stablecoins and other digital assets.
Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, expressed pride in the collaboration with Dubai’s Department of Finance, stating, “We are proud to be selected to support Dubai’s Department of Finance as part of this initiative, which sees Crypto.com enable the delivery of the first comprehensive and holistic Government-wide implementation of payment digitization.”
In conclusion, Crypto.com’s strategic partnerships in the UAE underscore its commitment to driving innovation and digital transformation across key sectors in the region. With a focus on advancing crypto payments and blockchain technology, the exchange is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of finance in Dubai and beyond.