Crypto.com Payments Launch for Dubai’s Official Public Services

Crypto.com Teams Up with Dubai Government to Enable Crypto Payments for Public Services

In a landmark development that signals a significant leap toward integrating digital assets into everyday life, the Government of Dubai has partnered with leading global cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com to enable residents and businesses to pay for government services using cryptocurrencies. The announcement, made during the Dubai FinTech Summit on May 12, positions Dubai at the forefront of global efforts to create a cashless, crypto-enabled economy.

The initiative forms a core part of Dubai’s "Cashless Strategy," which aims to digitize 90% of all payments in the emirate by 2026. With this move, Dubai becomes one of the first cities in the world to officially support crypto payments across government services, solidifying its ambition to become a global hub for blockchain innovation and digital finance.

Crypto Payments Now Live Through DubaiNow App

As part of the collaboration, residents will now be able to make payments for a wide range of government services—such as traffic fines, electricity bills, school fees, and business licenses—using cryptocurrencies through the Crypto.com app. These crypto payments are seamlessly converted into UAE dirhams before being received by the government, eliminating price volatility concerns and ensuring compliance with local financial regulations.

Source: Government of Dubai Media Office

Payments will be processed through the DubaiNow application, which already serves as the city's unified digital platform for over 50 government services. With the addition of crypto support, the app now becomes even more inclusive and flexible for both residents and businesses.

"This is a monumental step forward not only for Dubai but for the global digital economy," said Stuart Isted, General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Crypto.com. “It’s the first agreement of its kind between a major global digital asset platform and a government body, and it sets the tone for what’s possible when forward-thinking cities embrace financial technology.”

97% of Dubai's Government Payments Are Already Digital

The United Arab Emirates—and Dubai in particular—has long held a reputation for early adoption of financial technology. In 2023, approximately 97% of all government payments in Dubai were processed digitally. This latest move, which adds cryptocurrency as a legitimate payment method, is seen as the natural next step in the city’s ambition to become fully cashless.

Amna Lootah, Chief of Digital Payments at the Department of Finance, described the announcement as part of a larger vision outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which includes transforming the city into a digital-first economy by enhancing public sector efficiency and private sector participation in fintech innovation.

"Our collaboration with Crypto.com not only supports our cashless strategy but also aligns with our broader goal to position Dubai as a trailblazer in digital public services," said Lootah.

UAE Ranks Among Top 10 Crypto-Friendly Nations

The announcement also coincides with increasing international recognition of the UAE’s leadership in cryptocurrency development. A recent report by Apex Protocol ranked the UAE 10th in the world in terms of crypto-friendliness and innovation, citing impressive figures:

• Blockchain Patents Filed: 340

• Blockchain-Related Jobs: 414

• Cryptocurrency Exchanges Operating in UAE: 9

• Overall Score: 73.2

These metrics underscore the UAE’s growing reputation not just for regulatory clarity in digital assets, but also for nurturing the infrastructure and talent needed to support a thriving blockchain ecosystem.

Dubai’s Multi-Faceted Approach to Crypto Adoption

The Crypto.com partnership is only one component of Dubai’s wider strategy to become a global epicenter for blockchain innovation. In recent months, the emirate has launched several initiatives aimed at expanding the use of digital assets across various sectors.

Token2049 Conference Draws Global Attention

Dubai recently hosted the Token2049 conference—one of the largest blockchain gatherings globally—with close to 10,000 attendees from around the world. The event saw major announcements, including the unveiling of a $2 billion stablecoin project named USD1, backed by the Trump family business, a UAE investment fund, and supported by Binance. The introduction of this U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin adds momentum to Dubai’s ambitions in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.

Real Estate Tokenization Projects Underway

The city is also advancing in real estate tokenization, allowing investors to buy, sell, and trade property shares on blockchain platforms. This innovation is expected to bring more transparency, efficiency, and global accessibility to Dubai’s booming real estate market. The use of digital tokens to represent physical property ownership could significantly reduce transaction times and costs, while increasing trust in high-value asset transfers.

Launch of Dirham-Pegged Stablecoin

In a parallel development, three Abu Dhabi-based institutions—including the national sovereign wealth fund—have jointly launched a new stablecoin pegged to the UAE Dirham. This local stablecoin is expected to bolster digital payments within the country while ensuring price stability and regulatory oversight.

Global Impact and Future Outlook

With this multi-pronged approach, Dubai is setting the standard for how cities can successfully integrate digital currency into public policy, regulatory frameworks, and economic development. While many governments worldwide remain cautious or unclear about how to approach cryptocurrencies, Dubai’s proactive stance is not only attracting fintech talent and investors, but also offering a practical model for digital transformation.

Crypto analysts say this could inspire other cities to follow suit.

"Dubai’s integration of crypto into government services could serve as a blueprint for future smart cities around the world," said Lina Patel, a blockchain policy expert based in London. "By aligning technology, regulation, and public sector innovation, they’ve created a powerful ecosystem that could redefine the relationship between citizens and their governments."

Despite the excitement, experts also advise caution. The success of this integration will depend on robust cybersecurity measures, user education, and ongoing regulatory clarity. Moreover, large-scale crypto adoption at the governmental level will need to consider anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) compliance to maintain international trust and financial stability.

Still, with over 11 million residents and one of the world’s busiest economies, Dubai’s bold step into government-backed crypto payments is a historic one—marking a new chapter in how digital currencies are used in everyday life.

As the world watches Dubai turn digital innovation into real-world policy, one thing is clear: the future of public services may very well be blockchain-powered.

Writer @Erlin

Erlin is an experienced crypto writer who loves to explore the intersection of blockchain technology and financial markets. She regularly provides insights into the latest trends and innovations in the digital currency space.

 

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