Dubai Government to Accept Crypto Payments in Push Toward a Cashless Future

Dubai is set to become one of the first governments to accept cryptocurrency for official payments.

On Monday, the city’s Department of Finance (DOF)—which oversees budget planning and execution—announced a partnership with UAE-regulated exchange Crypto.com to enable digital asset payments for government services.

The agreement, formalised through a memorandum of understanding, will allow individuals and businesses to use Crypto.com’s wallet to pay fees, with transactions automatically converted into UAE dirhams and securely deposited into government accounts.

While the specific cryptocurrencies accepted have not yet been disclosed, the move signals a broader push by Dubai to strengthen its position as a hub for digital innovation and financial technology.

The announcement comes on the heels of the Token2049 conference hosted in the emirate, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a global leader in crypto adoption.

Dubai’s Cashless Strategy Aims to Fuel Digital and Economic Transformation

Dubai’s latest push toward a cashless future was unveiled at the Dubai Fintech Summit on Monday, where His Excellency Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of the Department of Finance, emphasized the city’s commitment to digital transformation.

He expressed in a statement:

"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."

Building on its “Cashless Dubai” campaign launched last October—which already sees 97% of government payments made digitally—the new initiative integrates cryptocurrency payments for government services.

Crypto.com President and COO Eric Anziani praised Dubai as “a true global visionary,” underscoring the emirate’s ambition to lead in financial innovation.

The partnership supports broader efforts to enhance economic resilience and streamline digital access across public services.

Officials say this step is part of a larger strategy to position Dubai as a fully digital, secure, and inclusive economy.

The UAE is already seeing growing adoption of crypto in sectors like real estate and retail, with exchanges and custodians increasingly working alongside public and financial institutions to offer regulated, user-friendly crypto services.