Dubai to Accept Crypto for Gov Fees in Cashless Strategy Push
Dubai will enable government service fee payments in crypto as part of its strategy to go fully cashless and support digital finance.
The Department of Finance (DOF) in Dubai has announced a partnership with cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com to enable crypto payments for government fees. The DOF stated that this initiative aims to strengthen Dubai's position as a hub for financial innovation and further its cashless strategy.
DOF and Crypto.com signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the Dubai FinTech Summit at the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Ahmad Ali Meftah, Executive Director of the Central Accounts Sector at DOF, and Mohammed Al Hakim, President of Crypto.com UAE, formalized the agreement.
DOF stated that the initiative will focus on stable cryptocurrencies, though it did not specify which assets the Dubai Government plans to accept.
Once the technical setup is complete, individuals and businesses will be able to pay government service fees using Crypto.com's digital wallet. Payments will be automatically converted from cryptocurrency to Emirati dirhams and transferred to the relevant government accounts.
Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, said that adopting secure cryptocurrency solutions in Dubai’s payment system reflects a proactive approach to addressing future needs and adapting to global economic changes.
Read more: The Visionary Behind Crypto.com: Kris Marszalek’s Rise to Fame
Amna Mohammed Lootah, Director of Dubai’s Digital Payment Systems Regulation, stated that the Dubai Cashless Strategy aims to conduct more than 90% of financial transactions across both public and private sectors through cashless methods by 2026.
According to Mohammed Al Hakim, President of Crypto.com UAE, the initiative marks significant progress in the adoption of digital finance and its integration into government payments.
Dubai’s D33 Agenda and Progressive Crypto Policies
In January 2023, Dubai launched the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033 (D33 Agenda) with the goal of doubling the size of its economy. Digital initiatives and emerging technologies, including blockchain and crypto, play a significant role in this strategy.
The city of Dubai has positioned itself as a center for innovation and crypto-friendly policies. Major retailers such as the Gold Souk, The Luxury Closet, and Majid Al Futtaim accept cryptocurrency payments.
In early 2025, DMCC and REIT Development announced the construction of a 17-storey Crypto Tower to serve as a hub for Web3-related businesses.
Backed by government initiatives and regulations under the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), Dubai continues to expand its presence in the evolving global digital economy.
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