Dubai Teams Up with Crypto.com for Government Payments
In a landmark move, Dubai’s Department of Finance (DOF) signed an MoU with Crypto.com on May 12, 2025, paving the way for crypto payments across public services. This initiative will let residents and businesses use digital assets to settle payments for visa fees, licensing, utilities, and more via Dubai Pay, the city's digital payments platform.
A pilot phase is set to launch later this year.
https://t.co/vCNztATkNg is proud to be selected to support @DOF_Dubai in a world-first agreement to enable a Government-wide implementation of payments digitisation.
— Crypto.com (@cryptocom) May 13, 2025
Read more 👉 https://t.co/1UJbe7YEH7 pic.twitter.com/YbaoBChldI
https://t.co/vCNztATkNg is proud to be selected to support @DOF_Dubai in a world-first agreement to enable a Government-wide implementation of payments digitisation.
— Crypto.com (@cryptocom) May 13, 2025
Read more 👉 https://t.co/1UJbe7YEH7 pic.twitter.com/YbaoBChldI
Hashkey Gets VASP Greenlight in UAE
Also on May 12, Hashkey Global MENA was officially launched after securing a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). The license allows Hashkey to operate as a crypto exchange and broker-dealer.
Users will be able to trade in USD and AED, with OTC services for major cryptocurrencies also in the pipeline.
Dirham-Based Crypto Conversion by Mbank and Changer
The UAE’s Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank) and crypto custodian Changer launched a dirham-backed crypto conversion service to let users convert USDT and USDC into AED. The Central Bank of the UAE ensures regulatory-compliant escrow holdings of AED funds, making the conversion process both secure and compliant.
Funds can be withdrawn using Jaywan ATM cards or used instantly through Mwallet.
Crypto at the Pump: Emarat + Crypto.com
Even the gas stations are getting a Web3 upgrade. Emarat, UAE’s state-owned fuel retailer, has partnered with Crypto.com to enable crypto payments at 10 pilot fuel stations, with full network rollout planned.
Users can pay for fuel with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies directly at the pump, skipping fiat entirely.
UAE: Becoming the World's Crypto Innovation Hub
This flurry of crypto-focused developments shows the UAE isn’t just talking digital transformation — it’s implementing it across all layers of society, from fuel stations to public offices, and even regulated financial platforms. With strategic backing from government entities and major global crypto firms, Dubai and the wider UAE are rapidly establishing themselves as leaders in global crypto adoption.
