Abu Dhabi Airports is preparing to introduce cryptocurrency payments at Zayed International Airport through a partnership with Al Khail Holding and fintech company Xare. The initiative will enable travelers to pay with Bitcoin, stablecoins and other digital assets across airport services.
The agreement was signed in October 2025. The project is currently in the pilot phase, with testing and operational planning underway.
Regulated wallet system in development
Both companies are developing a regulated digital wallet for inbound travelers. The wallet is designed to support cashless transactions and connect users to payment services across the airport.
The project is supervised by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and its financial services regulator. Rather than testing outside official rules, partners are building systems within existing regulatory frameworks.
Abu Dhabi Airports provides infrastructure and ecosystem support. Al Hail Holding will handle regulatory and financial matters, while Xare will provide the technology behind onboarding, payments and merchant connectivity. A joint steering committee was established to oversee the rollout.
UAE expands promotion of crypto payments
The airport project comes as the UAE ramps up its efforts to use digital assets on a daily basis. Emirates has already signed an agreement with Crypto.com to introduce cryptocurrency payments, with implementation scheduled for 2026.
The UAE appears to be building a broader digital payments network rather than experimenting alone, with both the country’s flagship airline and Abu Dhabi’s main airport working on crypto payment systems.
The initiative also supports the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. Beyond payments, the partnership includes plans for AI systems, smart transportation technology, and infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability across the airport network.
Stablecoins have the potential to reduce currency friction
Zayed International Airport receives travelers from dozens of countries. Multiple currencies create payment friction for visitors arriving in the UAE.
A stablecoin pegged to the US dollar could simplify transactions by reducing exchange costs and allowing travelers to use a single digital asset across airport services. The partners plan to integrate stablecoins with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies through a new wallet system.
Xare said the technology aims to create a seamless payment experience from arrival to departure, while opening new opportunities for merchants and airport services. However, the project has not yet reached commercial launch. Data on the number of merchants accepted and transaction volume are not made public.
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