Dubai to accept crypto as payment for government services

Dubai will soon allow residents to pay for government services using cryptocurrencies, as part of its push to make the emirate a global leader in digital commerce.

The initiative follows a new agreement between Dubai Finance and global platform Crypto.com, aiming to create a secure and efficient payment channel across government platforms using stablecoins.

It aligns with the emirate’s ambition to become a fully digital, cashless society and strengthen its position as a hub for financial innovation.

The move also supports the emirate’s D33 agenda, which targets sustainable economic diversification and digital transformation.

PayPal sets up regional HQ in Dubai to serve Mideast, Africa

PayPal is planning to run its digital commerce operations for 80 countries in the Middle East and Africa out of a new regional headquarters in Dubai.

Speaking at the Dubai AI Festival on Wednesday, PayPal’s President of Global Markets Suzan Kareere said the UAE hub would help customers with new features, including frictionless payments, more robust security and better network access to help companies sell across international borders.

“We want to empower businesses in this region to connect with our global consumers, while enabling consumers here to shop with confidence internationally,” she said.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, the UAE’s Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, discussed PayPal’s plans with Kareere, posting a photo of their meeting on Instagram.