Abu Dhabi Airports has partnered with Al Hail Holding and Xare to create a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on boosting the UAE’s status as a worldwide center for tourism, fintech, and sustainable transportation.
This partnership will launch advanced payment technologies and intelligent transport solutions intended to enhance the traveler experience while supporting the country’s aims for a digital economy.
As part of this agreement, the collaborators will establish a regulated digital wallet for international visitors, which will be tested at Zayed International Airport.
The wallet will facilitate secure cashless payments and furnish travelers with a simplified platform for handling transactions across various airport services, incorporating stablecoin and digital asset functionalities.
This initiative is in alignment with the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, promoting the integration of cutting-edge financial technologies and fostering a forward-looking economic environment.
The collaboration will also focus on smart mobility and sustainability projects, including AI-driven systems, intelligent transport solutions, and enhancements to infrastructure aimed at improving efficiency, safety, and environmental impact across Abu Dhabi Airports’ network.
Collaboration by Abu Dhabi Airports to Enhance Travel Experience
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, stated: “Airports are transitioning from mere gateways to platforms for fluid digital commerce. Through our collaboration with Al Hail Holding and Xare, we will test cashless, advanced payment technologies that simplify the entire traveler journey and highlight the UAE as an ideal launch point for a digital economy.”
Hamad Jassim Al Darwish, CEO of Al Hail Holding, remarked: “Our joint efforts aim to generate new opportunities that sync with the UAE’s vision for a digital and diversified economy. By merging our strengths in governance, regulatory collaboration, and financial services with the operational skills of Abu Dhabi Airports, we will introduce innovative solutions that benefit travelers and support national progress.”
Milind Singh, co-founder of Xare, commented: “By utilizing our technological framework, which includes instant onboarding, programmable payments, and merchant connectivity, we can create entirely new experiences and monetization avenues for travelers at the airport and throughout the city. This pilot will pave the way for a completely cashless experience from landing to departure.”
The MoU establishes a joint steering committee tasked with overseeing the development and execution of the project. Abu Dhabi Airports will supply infrastructure and ecosystem integration, Al Hail Holding will bring its regulatory and financial insights, while Xare will provide the technological connections necessary for the wallet and payments ecosystem.
This partnership highlights Abu Dhabi Airports’ ambition to evolve from simple transit points into dynamic hubs where technology, sustainability, and hospitality intersect.