The Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat), a UAE government-owned fuel retailer, has partnered with Crypto.com to allow cryptocurrency payments at its gas stations in Dubai. This marks the first such initiative in the Middle East and North Africa. Initially, crypto payments will be available at 10 Emarat stations, with plans for full expansion across Emarat’s network of over 100 stations. Customers can pay for fuel directly at the pump using Bitcoin and other digital assets, bypassing fiat currency.
As part of the initiative, a flagship co-branded 'Emarat x Crypto.com Service Station' will launch in Dubai and serve as a centerpiece for Project Landmark—an effort to blend brand visibility and digital-first customer experiences, merging mobility innovation and advanced payments. The initiative underscores the UAE’s ambition to be a global leader in digital asset integration and regulation, further supported by recently established frameworks such as Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority and clear licensing protocols in Abu Dhabi. This regulatory environment has already attracted major exchanges like Binance, OKX, and Bybit.
By providing real-world utility for crypto in daily commerce, the UAE continues to position itself as a hub for Web3 innovation and mainstream fintech adoption, reinforcing the relevance of digital assets beyond speculation.