Dubai authorities have officially signed a memorandum of understanding with the cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com, marking the launch of a new payment channel — allowing government fees to be paid using cryptocurrency.
The agreement was signed during the Dubai FinTech Summit, held at the Dubai International Financial Centre. On the government side, the document was signed by Ahmad Ali Meftah, Executive Director of the Centralized Accounting Department, and on behalf of Crypto.com, by Mohammed Al Hakim, President of the company in the UAE.
Supporting the Cashless Strategy
According to the announcement, this step is being implemented under Dubai’s broader strategy to transition to a cashless economy. The plan envisions that by 2026, over 90% of all financial transactions in the emirate — across both private and public sectors — will be conducted without cash.
The new payment channel via Crypto.com will allow users to pay fees securely, transparently, and efficiently. The platform will automatically convert digital assets into UAE dirhams and deposit them into the Department of Finance’s accounts.
Officials emphasized that this decision supports Dubai’s ambitious D33 Economic Agenda, aimed at growth and the digitization of all financial sectors. According to government estimates, the Cashless strategy is expected to add at least AED 8 billion (~$2.17 billion) annually to the emirate’s economy by driving fintech development and encouraging innovation.
As Meftah noted, the project will be implemented within an advanced regulatory framework that balances innovation with a high level of consumer protection. The shift to digital payments is expected to enhance public trust in government services and open new economic opportunities.
Statements From Stakeholders
Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, called Dubai “a global visionary in cashless technologies” and stated that the partnership with the DOF would be the world’s first large-scale integration of crypto payments into a government system.
According to Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of Dubai’s Executive Council, the project reflects the city’s commitment to staying aligned with global financial trends and delivering a digital transformation that meets the expectations of businesses and the public.
What’s Next
After completing the technical setup, users will be able to pay for government services via Crypto.com wallets. While exact dates have not been announced, DOF representatives confirmed that the integration process is already in an active phase.
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This post is for informational purposes only and is not an ad or investment advice. Please do your own research making any decisions.