Abu Dhabi Airports and Al Hail Holding have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global centre for tourism, fintech, and sustainable mobility.
The partnership is set to drive innovation in aviation, enhancing passenger experiences while supporting the UAE’s broader economic ambitions.
Under the agreement, both parties will explore next-generation payment solutions, including stablecoins and digital assets, in line with the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.
One of the key initiatives involves creating a regulated digital wallet for inbound travellers at Zayed International Airport, enabling secure and seamless cashless transactions.
The collaboration will also focus on incorporating AI technologies and sustainable infrastructure to boost operational efficiency and environmental performance.
A joint steering committee will manage the initiative, with Abu Dhabi Airports providing operational and infrastructure support, Al Hail Holding handling governance and regulatory engagement, and Xare serving as the technology partner.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Airports are evolving from gateways into platforms for seamless digital commerce. Through our partnership with Al Hail Holding and Xare, we will pilot cashless, next-generation payment technologies that simplify the traveller journey, enhance sustainability and financial access, and position the UAE as a leading hub for the digital economy.”
Hamad Al Darwish, CEO of Al Hail Holding, added: “We are proud to collaborate with Abu Dhabi Airports on this forward-looking initiative. By combining our expertise in governance, regulatory engagement, and financial services with Abu Dhabi Airports’ operational capabilities, we aim to deliver innovative solutions that benefit travellers and support the UAE’s vision for a digital, diversified economy.”
Milind Singh, co-Founder of Xare, said: “We are excited to partner with two leading institutions to redefine travel commerce. By leveraging our technology—covering instant onboarding, programmable payments, and merchant connectivity—we can create entirely new experiences and monetisation opportunities for travellers, ensuring a seamless, cashless journey from arrival to departure.”
