Dubai Government Partners with Crypto.com to Accept Cryptocurrency Payments

Dubai, UAE — May 13, 2025: In a significant move towards integrating cryptocurrency into everyday transactions, the Dubai government has announced a partnership with the leading crypto platform, Crypto.com. This collaboration aims to facilitate payments of government service fees using major cryptocurrencies, marking a progressive step in the emirate’s ongoing digital transformation efforts.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was officially signed on Monday between Dubai government officials and Mohammed Al Hakim, the President of Crypto.com UAE, during the Dubai FinTech Summit. This agreement sets the stage for individuals and business customers interacting with government entities to make payments via Crypto.com’s digital wallets.

Once the necessary technical arrangements are completed, users will be able to pay for various government services, including utility fees and parking, using large market-cap cryptocurrencies. The payments will be efficiently converted into Emirati dirhams before being transferred to the accounts of Dubai Finance, ensuring a seamless and secure transaction process.

In a statement provided to CNBC, a spokesperson for Crypto.com emphasized the reach of this initiative, stating that it would allow residents and visitors in Dubai to engage easily with government services using their cryptocurrency holdings. "This initiative is a truly global first programme," Al Hakim highlighted, reinforcing the groundbreaking nature of this undertaking.

The Department of Finance of Dubai noted that this partnership is an integral part of the "Dubai Cashless Strategy." The ambitious plan aims to achieve 90% cashless transactions across both public and private sectors in Dubai by the year 2026, further solidifying the city’s aspirations as a leading global digital hub.

Crypto.com has been building its presence in Dubai since receiving a license in 2023 to conduct regulated virtual asset service activities. Additionally, a limited license was awarded last month by the emirate’s virtual asset regulatory authority, allowing the platform to offer derivatives, thus enhancing its service portfolio within the region.

Dubai has consistently invested in the crypto industry, viewing it as a key element of its strategy to establish itself as a central player in global technology and finance. With this latest partnership, the city is positioning itself at the forefront of digital innovation, making significant strides towards a future where cryptocurrency plays a central role in everyday transactions.

As this initiative rolls out, it is expected to attract greater interest in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology among residents and businesses, potentially leading to wider acceptance and integration of digital currencies within the broader economic framework of the UAE.