Emarat Pumps Crypto Payments at UAE Fuel Stations with Cryptocom

Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat), the UAE’s federal fuel retailer, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Crypto.com, a Dubai-licensed and regulated cryptocurrency exchange under VARA, to launch crypto payment options at fuel stations—marking a regional first for the Middle East and North Africa.

Initially available at 10 fuel stations across Dubai, the feature allows customers to pay for fuel directly at the pump using Bitcoin and other digital assets. The wider rollout will be based on regulatory approvals and customer adoption.

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“Further enabling the utility of cryptocurrency is central to our vision at Crypto.com,” said Mohammed al Hakim, President of Crypto.com UAE. “The UAE is a cryptocurrency market leader, and we are excited to partner with Emarat, the region’s leading petroleum brand and serving tens of thousands of customers every day, in bringing digital assets into its next era.”

The collaboration also includes the launch of a flagship co-branded service station, the “Emarat x Crypto.com Service Station,” set to debut in Dubai. The site will serve as a hub for innovation in payments, mobility, and retail, and will also anchor Project Landmark—a global initiative that introduces naming rights for fuel stations and merges branding with immersive, tech-driven customer experiences.

“At Emarat, we are constantly exploring new frontiers in innovation and customer experience,” said Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Chief Retail Officer & Senior Vice President—Marketing at Emarat. “This partnership with Crypto.com introduces a new era of convenience and possibility for our customers, while strengthening our position as a future-focused brand. Together, we’re bridging the gap between energy retail and emerging financial ecosystems.”

Beyond crypto payments, both Emarat and Crypto.com plan to offer mutual promotions and exclusive deals for their users, aiming to elevate the customer experience and deepen engagement.

UAE: A Global Digital Asset Hub

Established in 1981, Emarat serves more than 100 million retail and commercial customers annually through its network of over 100 service stations in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition to become the most crypto-friendly jurisdiction globally. The country has built a robust digital asset ecosystem, supported by clear regulatory frameworks such as Dubai’s VARA and Abu Dhabi’s licensing structures. This has made the UAE an attractive destination for major crypto players like Binance, OKX, and Bybit, who have all obtained licenses to operate in the region.

Public-private partnerships like Emarat and Crypto.com are essential to the UAE’s strategy of embedding Web3 innovation into daily life. Across the country, retail businesses are increasingly integrating stablecoin payment options and building bridges with traditional finance, supported by the UAE’s growing infrastructure and regulatory clarity.

Recently, the UAE’s MGX sovereign wealth fund invested $2 billion in Binance using a stablecoin, and Trump Tower projects in the country have begun accepting crypto payments for real estate purchases.

By introducing crypto payments at the fuel pump, Emarat and Crypto.com are reinforcing the UAE’s position at the forefront of digital transformation, showing that cryptocurrencies are evolving from speculative assets to functional tools for everyday transactions.