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Crypto.com has entered a strategic partnership with the United Arab Emirates’ state-owned fuel giant Emarat, enabling customers to pay for fuel and convenience store purchases using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This integration signals a landmark moment in the global movement toward real-world crypto utility.
The announcement, made earlier this week, outlines a phased rollout of Crypto.com Pay terminals across Emarat’s nationwide network of fuel stations. Customers will be able to use the Crypto.com app to scan a QR code and complete payments in supported cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and stablecoins.
This collaboration positions Crypto.com as a frontrunner in making digital assets usable in everyday life. While crypto payments have seen limited adoption in retail and fuel sectors globally, this move marks one of the most high-profile implementations by a government-backed enterprise.
A Regional First for Public Infrastructure
Emarat becomes the first state-owned fuel provider in the Gulf region to adopt crypto payments. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition to become a global crypto and blockchain hub. The partnership is expected to enhance consumer convenience and showcase the country’s regulatory openness toward emerging financial technologies.
“We’re proud to work alongside Emarat in pioneering crypto adoption across essential public services,” said a spokesperson from Crypto.com. “Our shared vision is to build a payment infrastructure that reflects the digital economy of the future.”
Building Out the Crypto Ecosystem in the UAE
This is not the first UAE-focused initiative from Crypto.com. Earlier this year, the exchange launched its AED Fiat Wallet, allowing users in the Emirates to deposit and withdraw local currency seamlessly. It also announced a partnership with Tawasal Al Khaleej, a leading AI firm, to integrate Crypto.com services into the widely used Tawasal Superapp.
These moves underscore the platform’s multi-pronged approach to expanding its footprint in the Middle East, combining infrastructure development, B2B integrations, and end-user tools.
Why This Matters
Fuel stations are essential infrastructure, serving millions of customers daily. Integrating crypto payments into this setting increases visibility and builds trust for the broader public, including those who may not be crypto-native. With Crypto.com facilitating these payments, merchants and consumers gain exposure to the speed, security, and flexibility of blockchain-based transactions.
Moreover, the partnership lends further legitimacy to digital assets in a region that’s quickly becoming a leader in regulatory clarity and adoption. With Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) already setting progressive frameworks, the UAE is setting the stage for scaled crypto integration.
Looking Ahead
As macroeconomic forces and evolving consumer expectations reshape global finance, partnerships like that of Crypto.com and Emarat highlight a key trend: the convergence of traditional infrastructure with decentralized finance tools.
If successful, this model could expand beyond fuel stations to include public transportation, retail, hospitality, and government services, potentially transforming how value is exchanged across the Middle East.
With nine crypto licenses already secured globally and growing institutional adoption, Crypto.com continues to lead the charge in real-world crypto utility, cementing its place in the next era of digital payments.
Conclusion
Crypto.com’s partnership with Emarat is more than just a payment upgrade—it’s a powerful signal that real-world crypto adoption is accelerating. Crypto.com is bridging the gap between Web3 innovation and daily life by enabling Bitcoin and other digital assets for everyday purchases like fuel.
As the UAE continues to lead in crypto-friendly regulation, this move could set the tone for global adoption in essential public services.
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FAQs
1. What is the goal of Crypto.com’s partnership with Emarat?
The goal is to allow customers in the UAE to pay for fuel and convenience store items using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies via Crypto.com Pay.
2. Which cryptocurrencies can be used at Emarat stations?
Supported cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and select stablecoins through the Crypto.com app.
3. When will crypto payments go live at gas stations?
The rollout is expected to begin later this year, starting with select Emarat stations in Dubai.
4. Is this payment method available to tourists and non-residents?
Yes, anyone with a Crypto.com account and supported crypto holdings can use the feature at participating stations.
5. Is this move backed by the UAE government?
Yes, Emarat is a state-owned company, and this initiative reflects the UAE’s supportive stance on blockchain and digital asset integration.
Glossary
Crypto.com – A global cryptocurrency platform offering trading, wallets, staking, and merchant payment tools like Crypto.com Pay.
Emarat – A UAE government-owned petroleum company managing fuel stations and convenience stores across the Emirates.
Crypto.com Pay – A payment gateway that allows merchants to accept crypto with instant settlement in fiat or digital currencies.
Stablecoin – A cryptocurrency pegged to the value of a stable asset like the US dollar, used to reduce price volatility.
Fiat Wallet – A wallet that stores government-issued currencies (like AED) to facilitate crypto-fiat transactions within an app or exchange.
