UAE’s Emarat Breaks New Ground with Crypto.com to Launch Bitcoin Payments at Gas Stations

In a regional first, UAE’s Emarat, the federally owned Emirates General Petroleum Corporation, has partnered with Crypto.com to bring cryptocurrency payments to its fuel stations. This landmark collaboration, therefore, signals a bold move to integrate digital assets into everyday consumer transactions across the Middle East and North Africa.

Starting May 8, Emarat accepts crypto payments at 10 of its stations in Dubai, enabling customers to pay for fuel using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, effectively bypassing traditional fiat methods. Looking ahead, Emarat plans to expand the service across its wider network in the coming months.

Additionally, the partners announced plans for a co-branded flagship station in Dubai, named the “Emarat x Crypto.com Service Station.” This next-generation facility will serve as a hub for Project Landmark, a global initiative that blends fuel station branding with immersive, digital-first customer experiences.

Since its founding in 1981, UAE’s Emarat has operated more than 100 service stations across Dubai and the Northern Emirates, serving over 100 million customers annually. By embracing crypto payments, Emarat not only boosts customer convenience but also helps the UAE solidify its leadership in financial innovation and smart mobility.

UAE Strengthens Its Position as a Global Digital Asset Pioneer

The United Arab Emirates continues to assert itself as a global powerhouse in digital asset regulation and infrastructure, actively pursuing its vision to become the world’s most crypto-forward jurisdiction.

Notably, key initiatives like Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and Abu Dhabi’s structured licensing systems have positioned the country at the forefront of digital finance. As a result, these frameworks have attracted major crypto exchanges, including Binance, OKX, and Bybit, to obtain regulatory approval and establish operations in the region.

Furthermore, by fostering strategic public-private partnerships and launching pilot projects such as crypto payments at fuel stations, the UAE cultivates a dynamic environment for Web3 innovation and fintech growth.

Ultimately, with real-world crypto integrations like this, the UAE shifts digital assets from speculative tools to functional, everyday utilities embedded within the nation’s economic and social framework.