Emirates is accelerating its digital transformation strategy with two major customer-focused initiatives that expand payment flexibility and enhance travel rewards, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and seamless travel experiences.

The Dubai-based carrier has officially launched Crypto.com Pay on its digital platforms, enabling eligible customers in the UAE to pay for flight bookings using cryptocurrency through the secure payment solution. At the same time, Emirates Skywards has broadened its loyalty ecosystem by introducing Skywards Rail, giving members access to more than 12,000 rail destinations across Europe using their Skywards Miles.

Together, the announcements highlight Emirates’ continued investment in digital technologies and integrated travel solutions, aligning with Dubai’s broader ambitions to become a global leader in fintech, digital payments and smart mobility.

Customers with a Crypto.com account booking flights on emirates.com or through the Emirates App can now select Crypto.com Pay during checkout. Transactions are processed securely and in compliance with UAE regulatory standards. According to an Emirates Media report, the payment option is currently available to eligible UAE residents for bookings priced and settled in Emirati Dirhams (Dhs).

The launch represents the successful implementation of the partnership between Emirates and Crypto.com, first announced in July 2025 when the two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore integrating Crypto.com Pay into the airline’s digital payment infrastructure.

Digital payments move from concept to reality

The rollout underscores Emirates’ focus on offering customers greater flexibility while responding to changing consumer preferences, particularly among digitally connected travelers.

“Bringing this initiative to life delivers on our commitment to expanding customer choice in how they pay for travel. It also reflects the rapidly evolving preferences of a younger, digitally fluent generation who manage their money and plan their journeys primarily from their phones and they expect the airlines they fly with to keep pace,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and chief commercial officer.

“Moving from signature to launch with Crypto.com in a year is a credit to both teams, and to a regulatory environment that makes this kind of innovation possible, reflecting the UAE’s and Dubai’s ambition to lead in fintech and the digital economy,” he added.

Eric Anziani, president and chief operating officer of Crypto.com, said the partnership represents a significant milestone for the company’s payment platform.

“Partnering with Emirates is a milestone for Crypto.com and our Pay feature, which is renowned for its ease of use and seamless integration,” Anziani said.

“This collaboration is a testament to the UAE’s forward thinking approach to innovation and we’re proud to support Emirates as it embraces the digital payments space.”

The integration is powered by Crypto.com’s Dubai entity, the first Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) to receive a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) licence from the Central Bank of the UAE. The service operates within the country’s regulated Stored Value Facilities framework, providing customers with a secure payment environment.

Seamless checkout experience

Customers using the Emirates App can select Crypto.com Pay at checkout and will be redirected to the Crypto.com app to authorise payment from their digital wallet before returning to the Emirates App to receive their booking confirmation and e-ticket.

Desktop users booking through emirates.com can choose Crypto.com Pay during the payment stage, scan the QR code displayed on the booking page and approve the transaction through the Crypto.com app. Once payment is confirmed, customers receive their booking confirmation and e-ticket instantly.

The initiative also supports the Dubai Cashless Strategy under the D33 Economic Agenda, which aims to make 90% of all financial transactions across both government and private sectors digital by the end of 2026. It further builds on Emirates’ partnership with Dubai Finance to advance digital payment capabilities and complements Crypto.com’s collaboration with Dubai Finance to facilitate digital payments for government services.

Emirates Skywards expands beyond air travel

Alongside its digital payments initiative, Emirates is also strengthening its award-winning loyalty programme by extending travel opportunities beyond flights.

Emirates Skywards has launched Skywards Rail, a new platform that allows members to redeem Skywards Miles for rail journeys across Europe. The service provides access to more than 12,000 destinations through over 40 rail operators spanning 12 European countries.

Accessible through the dedicated booking platform www.skywardsrail.com, members can search train schedules, compare cabin classes and ticket options, and complete bookings online or via mobile devices in five languages.

Customers can redeem their Miles for the full cost of a rail ticket or combine Cash + Miles for greater flexibility. The platform also enables members to book rail travel for family and friends, with electronic tickets delivered directly via email.

Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, divisional senior vice president of Emirates Skywards, said the launch reflects the airline’s ongoing efforts to increase the value and versatility of its loyalty programme.

“Our members are looking for more flexible ways to use their Skywards Miles, and Skywards Rail is another step in expanding the programme beyond air travel,” he said.

“By unlocking affordable access to more than 12,000 rail destinations across Europe, we’re giving members the freedom to create seamless journeys using Miles, whether that’s travelling between major cities, connecting onwards from an Emirates or flydubai flight, or discovering somewhere new. It’s all part of our commitment to offering more choice, greater value and rewarding travel experiences at every stage of the journey.”

Wider travel choices for loyalty members

The new rail platform provides access to a broad network of domestic, international and high-speed rail services operated by some of Europe’s best-known rail companies, including Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, Trenitalia, TGV, Renfe and ÖBB. It also includes major UK operators such as Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, Thameslink, Great Western Railway and ScotRail.

Members can redeem Skywards Miles on a range of popular routes, including Heathrow Express journeys from 4,700 Skywards Miles, Berlin to Frankfurt from 4,100 Miles, Barcelona to Madrid from 5,400 Miles, Rome to Milan from 8,100 Miles and London to Paris from 9,400 Miles.

The expansion reflects Emirates Skywards’ broader evolution into a lifestyle-focused loyalty programme, providing members with greater flexibility to use their rewards beyond traditional flight redemptions while supporting more integrated travel experiences across Europe.

Since its launch in 2000, Emirates Skywards has grown into one of the world’s leading airline loyalty programmes. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the programme now serves more than 39 million members across 190 countries and continues to expand rapidly, with more than 78,000 new members joining every week.

As Emirates continues investing in digital innovation and expanding its customer ecosystem, the latest initiatives reinforce the airline’s strategy of combining advanced payment technologies with broader travel rewards to deliver greater convenience, flexibility and value for travelers worldwide.

Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday that its armed forces, in coordination with US Central Command (CENTCOM), carried out “targeted strikes” against Iran-backed groups in Iraq that it said were responsible for drone attacks on the kingdom’s oil facilities.

CENTCOM said the operation followed more than 30 drone attacks over the previous 72 hours that it said were “directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure”.

The Saudi Defence Ministry said the strikes targeted groups in Iraq that it accused of launching attacks on oil facilities in the kingdom’s Eastern Province. It said Riyadh was not seeking escalation but would respond to any “aggression”.

Iran denied involvement in attacks on Saudi targets. An unnamed military official, quoted by state broadcaster IRIB, said on Wednesday that attributing attacks on US interests in the region to Iran was a “major miscalculation”.

The announcement of the US-Saudi strikes came a few hours after Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed several drones launched from Iraq. It was the second such attack in less than two days.

Saudi defence ministry spokesperson Turki al-Malki said on Tuesday the drones were launched by what he described as Iran-backed groups in Iraq, adding Riyadh reserved the right to respond “at the appropriate time and place”.

Two members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces were wounded when an air strike targeted the group’s command headquarters in the southern city of Basra, the force’s local directorate said on Wednesday, according to the Iraqi news agency INA.

The PMF, known in Arabic as Hashd al-Shaabi, is an umbrella group of mostly Shi’ite paramilitary factions that was formally integrated into Iraq’s state security forces and includes several groups aligned with Iran.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation on Monday into the drone attacks, saying Iraq would not allow its territory to be used to launch attacks against neighbours.

Dubai is set to offer residents and visitors a packed calendar of experiences throughout August, with a diverse programme spanning entertainment, dining, retail, sports and family-friendly activities.

From the ongoing Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) celebrations to international music performances, comedy shows, indoor fitness events and culinary experiences, Dubai Calendar’s August lineup showcases the city’s ability to deliver year-round experiences for every audience.

With indoor venues offering comfortable summer escapes and attractions across the city hosting activities for all age groups, August is expected to be another vibrant month for Dubai’s tourism, retail and entertainment sectors.

Retail and dining experiences take centre stage

Dubai Summer Surprises continues to drive summer activity across the city, offering residents and visitors opportunities to enjoy exclusive shopping deals, entertainment programmes and family experiences.

Dubai Summer Surprises
Date: July 2– August 30, 2026
Location: Citywide

The annual summer celebration features retail promotions, raffle draws, hotel and attraction offers, and activities designed for families. The event continues to support Dubai’s retail and hospitality sectors by encouraging visitors to explore shopping destinations and leisure attractions throughout the summer season.

Food lovers can also enjoy specially curated dining experiences through Summer Restaurant Week, which runs until 2 August.

Summer Restaurant Week
Date: Until August 2, 2026
Location: Citywide

The initiative brings together more than 50 casual and family-friendly restaurants, offering specially prepared menus featuring cuisines from around the world. Reservations are available through the Careem app via Careem DineOut.

Sports events bring indoor fitness opportunities

Dubai’s August calendar also features a strong lineup of sporting activities, allowing residents to stay active despite the summer temperatures.

Ibn Battuta Mall Indoor Run Series 3/5
Date: August 2, 2026
Location: Ibn Battuta Mall

The third event of the Ibn Battuta Mall Indoor Run Series will welcome runners of different abilities, with participants able to choose from 1km, 2.5km, 5km and 10km routes. Starting at 7:00am, the community-focused event aims to encourage fitness participation among beginners, experienced runners and families.

Dubai Sports World
Date: Until August 25, 2026
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre

Dubai Sports World continues to provide an indoor destination for sports enthusiasts, featuring facilities for football, basketball, cricket, badminton, tennis and other activities. Visitors can book spaces for casual games or join sports academies to develop their skills.

Dubai Mallathon 2026
Date: Until September 15, 2026
Location: Citywide (participating malls)

The Dubai Mallathon transforms participating malls into indoor walking and running spaces, offering accessible fitness options for people of all ages. Participants can complete distances ranging from 2.5km to 10km at their own pace.

Endurance Games
Date: August 30, 2026
Location: Hamdan Sports Complex

Making its debut this August, Endurance Games will bring together athletes and fitness enthusiasts for an indoor multisport competition featuring aquabike, aquathlon, triathlon, duathlon and the EndureX challenge.

Live entertainment lineup features regional and international talent

Dubai’s entertainment calendar will take centre stage in August with performances from leading musicians, comedians and cultural showcases.

The month begins with Beat The Heat DXB Season 5 ft Rasha Rizk on August 1, at Dubai World Trade Centre. The acclaimed Syrian singer will perform a selection of memorable songs, including works that have become popular across generations.

Comedy fans can enjoy The Laughter Factory from August 7–15, at multiple venues across Dubai. The show features international and regional comedians, including Ricky Balshaw, Tevin Everett, Abz Ali, Miqdaad Dohadwala and Andrea Brooks.

Arabic music will also feature prominently with A Night of Love and Tears on 8 August, bringing together Egyptian singer Ramy Gamal and Lebanese artist Wael Jassar for an evening of contemporary Arabic performances.

The Beat The Heat DXB series continues throughout the month with performances from artists including Al Shami, Marwan Moussa, Hleem, Sultan Al Murshed, Talal Sam, Aziz Maraka, Big Sam and Leg_cy.

Other major entertainment highlights include Thaalam Beats at Coca-Cola Arena, featuring Benny Dayal, Usha Uthup and Thaikkudam Bridge; Lucky Ali Live, celebrating the Indian singer-songwriter’s iconic hits; and JPEX Entertainment Exhibition, which showcases Japanese culture through anime, gaming, workshops and interactive experiences.

Comedy, culture and music close out the month

The final weeks of August will continue with a variety of performances across Dubai.

Indian comedian Sunil Grover will bring his popular comedy and character-based performances to Coca-Cola Arena on 21 August, while Syrian comedian Rami Jbr will make his Dubai debut with a stand-up performance on 28 August.

Atul Khatri will return to Dubai on August 29 with his observational comedy show at Emirates Theatre, while Kuwait’s Miami Band will present Miami Show 3.0 at Coca-Cola Arena, celebrating decades of regional musical influence.

With its combination of entertainment, sports, dining and lifestyle experiences, Dubai’s August calendar reinforces the city’s position as a leading global destination for events and leisure activities throughout the year.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), in collaboration with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), has extended the Sharjah Summer Promotions 2026 campaign until Tuesday, September 15, giving residents and visitors additional time to take advantage of exclusive shopping offers, entertainment activities and prize draws.

The extension forms part of Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to enrich visitor experiences while strengthening the emirate’s reputation as a leading destination for families, shopping and tourism throughout the year, a WAM report said.

Participating shopping centres, including City Centre Al Zahia, Oasis Mall, Mega Mall, Al Suyoh Mall, Sahara Centre, Sharjah Central Mall, Kalba Mall, Al Rahmania Mall and 06 Mall, will continue hosting a range of entertainment activities. These include children’s workshops, appearances by the campaign mascot Shamsa, as well as Shamsa Mobile Store pop-ups featuring interactive experiences and exclusive promotional offers.

Officials highlight tourism and economic benefits

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, said the extension reflects the authority’s commitment to reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a year-round destination by bringing together tourism, retail, hospitality and entertainment under one initiative.

He said, “Through our continued collaboration with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and our public and private sector partners, we are expanding visitor experiences, stimulating tourism and commercial activity, and reinforcing the emirate’s competitiveness as a diverse and sustainable tourism destination.”

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Al Midfa added that this year’s campaign delivers a comprehensive programme featuring retail promotions, hospitality packages, tourism offers, family-focused activities and prize draws. He said the initiative is designed to encourage longer visitor stays, increase spending and showcase Sharjah’s unique blend of tourism, culture, leisure and entertainment.

More than 700 prizes up for grabs

The campaign continues to offer shoppers the opportunity to win more than 700 prizes, with five digital prize draws taking place across four phases before the campaign concludes. A total of 51 major prizes will be awarded, including a car provided by Al Ghandi Auto, 30 gold bars weighing 10 grams each, shopping vouchers and a variety of prizes from participating shopping centres.

Customers can enter the prize draws by shopping at participating malls and retail outlets or by booking stays at participating hotels through offers available on the Sharjah Summer Promotions website. The campaign’s final prize draw is scheduled to take place at 06 Mall on September 15.

Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi, Director-General of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the extension reflects the strong partnership between SCCI and SCTDA in delivering an integrated summer programme that supports sustainable growth across Sharjah’s retail and commercial sectors.

He said the initiative enhances the competitiveness of shopping centres, strengthens consumer confidence and creates greater economic value for businesses. Al-Awadi added that combining retail offers with family entertainment, digital prize draws and the Shamsa mascot helps boost community engagement while delivering a more enjoyable visitor experience.

The campaign brings together hotels, shopping centres, retailers, restaurants, cafés, tour operators and entertainment destinations across the emirate, supporting tourism and commercial activity while reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a leading year-round destination for families and visitors.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its e-bike delivery service to seven additional areas across the emirate following the success of a pilot programme launched in February that initially covered four locations.

The newly added service areas are Al Twar 1, Al Twar 2, Al Qusais 1, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai Media City, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), and Dubai Marina. They join the original coverage areas of Al Karama, Al Hamriya, Umm Hurair, and Al Mankhool, a WAM report said.

The expansion forms part of Dubai’s Commercial and Logistics Land Transport Strategy 2030 and the First and Last-Mile Strategy. The initiative is designed to promote sustainable transport solutions, reduce operating costs, and enhance delivery services while aligning with global best practices and the approved roadmap covering security and safety standards for delivery operations.

Focus on safety, governance and growing demand

According to the RTA, the wider rollout follows the implementation of comprehensive measures governing delivery operations, including licensing requirements and operational procedures. The framework also includes governance measures, updates to regulations covering quality and licensing for delivery service companies, as well as enhanced monitoring and compliance mechanisms.

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The authority said the seven new locations were selected based on several criteria, including the availability of dedicated infrastructure and cycling tracks, the characteristics of each area, proximity to restaurants and retail outlets, increasing demand from businesses, and the growing number of soft mobility users.

The expansion is being carried out in partnership with leading private-sector operators under agreements that outline operating procedures, compliance requirements and public safety standards.

RTA reported that the project’s trial phase delivered strong results, with customer satisfaction reaching approximately 99 per cent, while more than 90 per cent of delivery riders expressed satisfaction with the service. The authority also said it worked closely with its partners to develop regulatory solutions addressing operational challenges identified during the pilot.

Officials added that RTA has established an integrated framework for Dubai’s delivery sector to strengthen governance and improve service standards as demand for delivery services continues to rise across the emirate. The framework also addresses the growing number of delivery bikes operating on Dubai’s roads, supporting the safe and efficient expansion of the sector.