- Dubai will allow crypto payments for government services through Crypto.com’s wallet.
- Only stablecoins will be supported initially in the payment rollout.
- Dubai aims to reach 90% cashless transactions by 2026 under its digital strategy.
Dubai has moved closer to full digital adoption after announcing a new partnership with Crypto.com. The deal will allow residents and businesses to use cryptocurrency for public service payments. The Dubai Department of Finance approved the development during the Dubai Fintech Summit on May 12. This integration is part of the city’s broader plan to divert 90% of all financial transactions to cashless methods by 2026.
Crypto Payment Integration Underway
According to the Department of Finance, users will soon be able to pay government service fees using crypto. The integration will be accessible through Crypto.com’s wallet platform. The paid amounts will be automatically converted into UAE dirhams. The converted funds will then be settled into the government’s accounts.
Although the department did not name specific cryptocurrencies, it confirmed that stable digital assets would be accepted. This implies that only stablecoins are expected to be supported in the first rollout. The feature will apply to both individual and corporate users accessing government platforms.
Cashless Strategy Seeks Broader Transformation
Dubai’s cashless strategy was first introduced in October 2024. Since then, it has continued gaining traction across both public and private sectors. In 2023, the government said 97% of its payments were already digital. The latest integration of crypto services expands that effort into blockchain-based transactions.
Amna Mohammed Lootah, director of digital payment systems regulation, confirmed the administration’s objective to reach 90% cashless usage by 2026. She also described the latest collaboration as an important step in achieving that transformation.
Fintech Expansion Remains a Key Goal
Beyond digital payments, the Department of Finance noted the strategy is expected to add over 8 billion dirhams to the economy. The city believes growth will come from expanding fintech solutions and increasing activity in the financial sector. The push aligns with Dubai’s ongoing blockchain development programs.
In March 2025, the government launched a pilot program focused on tokenizing real estate assets. Additionally, the city hosted the Dubai edition of Token2049 between April 30 and May 1, reinforcing its involvement in crypto events. Ahmad Ali Meftah, executive director at the Department of Finance, said the government is still refining its crypto rules.
He explained that officials are working to establish a regulatory environment that encourages secure and efficient digital transactions. The framework aims to support innovation while maintaining strict oversight across payment systems. Dubai joins other governments exploring crypto payment methods. In April, a New York legislator introduced a bill allowing state agencies to accept crypto payments.
