Dubai's Department of Finance (DOF) has taken a landmark step toward digital finance by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com, allowing residents and businesses to pay government service fees using cryptocurrency. The move makes Dubai one of the first governments in the world to formally enable crypto payments for public services.
MoU Signed at Dubai FinTech Summit 2025
The agreement was formalised on the sidelines of the Dubai FinTech Summit 2025 in the presence of senior government officials, including Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of the DOF.
The MoU was signed by Ahmad Ali Meftah, Executive of Central Accounts at the DOF, and Mohammed Al Hakim, President of Crypto.com UAE — which operates under a licence from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).
How Dubai Government Cryptocurrency Payments Will Work
Under the partnership, residents and businesses will be able to use Crypto.com's digital wallet to pay for government services using stable cryptocurrencies. Crypto.com will then convert those payments into UAE dirhams (AED) and transfer the funds securely into Dubai Finance accounts.
Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, described the deal as a world first, underscoring the company's role in accelerating Dubai's shift to a digital economy.
Supporting Dubai's D33 Agenda and Cashless Strategy
The partnership directly supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the city's broader Dubai Cashless Strategy, which targets a fully cashless society by 2026 with more than 90% of all transactions conducted digitally.
Amna Mohammed Lootah, Director of Digital Payment Systems Regulation, noted that the initiative is projected to contribute AED 8 billion (approximately USD 2.1 billion) to Dubai's economy annually once fully rolled out.
Officials stressed that the programme also strengthens public trust in government services by offering secure, frictionless payment options alongside traditional methods.
Dubai Cements Its Role as a Global Digital Finance Leader
By integrating cryptocurrency into government fee payments, Dubai sets a new benchmark for public sector innovation worldwide. The move reinforces the emirate's reputation as a leading hub for fintech, digital assets, and forward-looking financial regulation — aligning with its long-term vision under the D33 Economic Agenda to become one of the world's top four financial centres by 2033.
