In a groundbreaking step toward digital innovation, a major airline in the United Arab Emirates has announced that passengers can now purchase flight tickets using cryptocurrency. The announcement follows a strategic agreement with global crypto authorities to integrate digital currency as a payment method.
According to Arab media, the move reflects Dubai’s broader goal of aligning its infrastructure with blockchain and crypto technologies. In addition to flight bookings, passengers will soon be able to make cryptocurrency payments at Dubai Airport’s duty-free shops.
This milestone supports Dubai’s vision of becoming a global digital hub and signifies growing adoption of crypto in the travel and retail sectors.
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Responding to these developments, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Cryptocurrency, Bilal Bin Saqib, acknowledged the progress, emphasizing that “cryptocurrency is a financial reality.” He urged Pakistan to follow Dubai’s example to help uplift key industries, including tourism.
In a significant policy shift, President Asif Ali Zardari has promulgated the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2025, which takes immediate effect across Pakistan. Under this ordinance, a new corporate regulatory authority will oversee virtual assets, issue licenses to service providers, and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) laws.
The authority will be headquartered in Islamabad with potential for regional branches. It will be empowered to initiate investigations, impose penalties, and set operational guidelines to ensure secure and lawful use of digital assets.
These parallel advancements in the UAE and Pakistan signal an accelerating embrace of cryptocurrencies in global governance and commerce.
