In a groundbreaking step toward digitizing public services, the Government of Dubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading global crypto platform Crypto.com. The agreement will enable residents and businesses to pay government service fees using cryptocurrencies through a secure and innovative digital framework.
The MoU was signed during the Dubai FinTech Summit in the presence of His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, and His Excellency Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of the Department of Finance (DOF). Representing the parties were Ahmad Ali Meftah, Executive Director of DOF’s Central Accounts Sector, and Mohammed Al Hakeem, Head of Operations at Crypto.com UAE.
This strategic partnership is a key pillar of the Dubai Cashless Strategy, which aims to transform Dubai into one of the world’s foremost digital economies. Once fully implemented, the initiative will allow individuals and businesses to pay fees for government services using cryptocurrency wallets. Crypto.com will facilitate the conversion of crypto payments into Emirati dirhams, which will be securely transferred to DOF accounts.
Strengthening Dubai’s Position as a Digital Finance Leader
H.E. Abdulla Al Basti hailed the agreement as part of Dubai’s proactive approach to embracing emerging financial technologies. “Dubai is steadily reinforcing its global leadership in digital transformation,” he said, highlighting the city’s commitment to streamlined, secure, and innovative financial services.
H.E. Abdulrahman Al Saleh emphasized the role of this initiative in achieving the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to make Dubai a global hub for innovation and economic growth. “We are proud to partner with Crypto.com to accelerate our shift toward a cashless economy and enhance the efficiency and inclusiveness of financial transactions,” he said.
A Global First in Public Sector Crypto Integration
Crypto.com’s President and COO, Eric Anziani, praised Dubai’s forward-thinking leadership: “This partnership represents the first government-wide integration of cryptocurrency payments at scale. We’re honored to support Dubai’s Department of Finance in this visionary initiative.”
The initiative will be supported by a robust regulatory framework under Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), ensuring high standards of security and compliance in all digital transactions.
Enabling Innovation and Economic Growth
Amna Mohammed Lootah, Director of Digital Payment Systems Regulation, outlined the ambitious goals of the Dubai Cashless Strategy—to have over 90% of financial transactions conducted without cash by 2026. The move is projected to inject at least AED 8 billion into the local economy annually through expanded fintech services and job creation.
“By embracing cryptocurrency payments, Dubai is not just keeping pace with global trends—it is setting them,” said Ahmad Ali Meftah. “This initiative enhances customer trust in government services and positions Dubai at the cutting edge of the financial technology revolution.”
The technical rollout of the payment integration is underway. Once live, government customers will be able to pay for services using their Crypto.com wallets, with transactions instantly and securely settled in local currency.
A Milestone in Dubai’s Digital Journey
The agreement between Dubai Finance and Crypto.com marks a major leap forward in the global adoption of digital currencies. It underscores Dubai’s commitment to innovation, economic diversification, and leadership in the digital economy of the future.
As Dubai continues to lead with initiatives like the Cashless Strategy and D33 Agenda, it cements its status as a pioneer in shaping the future of digital finance—not just regionally, but globally.
