In a major step toward its goal of becoming a fully cashless economy, the Dubai government announced on Monday that it will begin accepting cryptocurrency for official payments. The initiative was unveiled during the Dubai Fintech Summit and stems from a new partnership between Dubai’s Department of Finance and global crypto exchange platform Crypto.com.
The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, will enable residents and businesses to use digital assets to pay for various government-related services and fees. While officials have not yet disclosed which cryptocurrencies will be accepted, the announcement signals growing institutional acceptance of blockchain technology in the region.
His Excellency Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Finance, said the move is a cornerstone of the city’s “Cashless Dubai” strategy, aimed at increasing efficiency, transparency, and financial inclusion through digital transformation.
“As a global leader in digital transformation, the emirate is further strengthening its position by deploying the latest secure financial technology solutions that support its cashless strategy, streamline government transactions, and foster innovation in financial services,” he said in a statement.
Already a recognized global hub for fintech and crypto innovation, Dubai recently hosted the high-profile Token2049 conference and continues to attract major digital asset firms. The government’s latest initiative reinforces its ambition to lead globally in integrating crypto into public sector infrastructure.
Dubai Advances Cashless Strategy With Crypto Integration and Global Partnerships
Dubai’s Department of Finance is rapidly advancing its push toward a fully digital payment ecosystem, now integrating cryptocurrencies into public payment infrastructure. The move follows the launch of Dubai’s “Cashless Strategy” last October, which reported that 97% of all government transactions are already processed digitally.
As part of the initiative, Crypto.com will work with the government to enable crypto-based payments for a range of official services. While details regarding the specific assets and transaction parameters remain undisclosed, the collaboration highlights Dubai’s commitment to financial innovation.
Crypto.com President and COO Eric Anziani praised the move, calling Dubai “a true global visionary” in the digital economy. The company’s regional footprint has expanded rapidly—it secured its initial license in Dubai in 2023 and was recently granted additional approval to offer derivatives trading under the emirate’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA).
Globally, Crypto.com is also exploring deeper integrations with traditional finance. In March, the firm signed a non-binding agreement with Trump Media & Technology Group to explore crypto-based ETF offerings—a potential bridge between digital and legacy markets.
Though the exact rollout mechanics of Dubai’s crypto payment system remain under wraps, the partnership with Crypto.com signals a deepening of public-private collaboration in Web3 infrastructure. Crypto.com’s regional general manager, Stuart Isted, called the development “a truly global first,” aligning with Dubai’s mission to set the standard in digital governance and financial innovation.
Quick Facts
- Dubai’s Department of Finance will begin accepting cryptocurrency for public services following a partnership with Crypto.com.
- The announcement was made at the Dubai Fintech Summit and supports the emirate’s broader “Cashless Dubai” strategy.
- 97% of Dubai’s government transactions are already processed digitally.
- Crypto.com has secured licensing under Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority and is expanding its regional and global presence.
- Specific cryptocurrencies and services eligible for payment have not yet been announced.
