tl;dr
Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat), a UAE state-owned fuel retailer, has partnered with Crypto.com to enable cryptocurrency payments, including Bitcoin, at 10 fuel stations in Dubai, with plans to expand across its network. This marks the first crypto payment integration at gas stations...
Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat), a UAE state-owned fuel retailer, has partnered with Crypto.com to enable cryptocurrency payments, including Bitcoin, at 10 fuel stations in Dubai. This initiative represents the first integration of crypto payments at gas stations in the Middle East and North Africa, with plans to extend the service across Emarat’s entire network.
The partnership will also see the launch of a co-branded flagship service station in Dubai called “Emarat x Crypto.com Service Station,” which will act as a centerpiece for Project Landmark. This project aims to innovate the customer experience through advanced mobility solutions, seamless digital payments, and cutting-edge retail design.
Emarat, established in 1981, currently operates over 100 service stations and serves roughly 100 million customers annually. By embracing crypto payments at the pump, the initiative marks a significant step in the UAE’s push toward mainstream retail adoption of digital assets, positioning the country at the forefront of fintech innovation in the region.
The UAE is aggressively building its reputation as a global leader in digital asset regulation and infrastructure. Through progressive frameworks like the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority in Dubai and licensing regimes in Abu Dhabi, it has become a magnet for top crypto exchanges including Binance, OKX, and Bybit, who have all secured regulatory approvals to operate locally.
This public-private partnership highlights the UAE’s ambition to transform into a premier hub for Web3 technologies and digital finance. By enabling daily-use cryptocurrency payments such as at fuel stations, the country is embedding digital assets into everyday life, moving beyond mere speculation to practical utility.