The past week has been packed with milestones for digital assets. From banks moving closer to crypto under fresh regulatory guidance in the U.S., to the booming stablecoin market and Bitcoin’s record-breaking surge past $124,000, adoption is accelerating across industries. Even space travel entered the mix, as paying for a ticket with Bitcoin became reality.
Now, the spotlight shifts to the United Arab Emirates and Thailand, where governments and businesses are weaving crypto into the heart of their economies.
Blockchain to rival oil in the UAE economy
The United Arab Emirates is positioning itself as one of the most powerful crypto hubs worldwide, with industry leaders predicting blockchain could soon rival oil in economic importance.
According to Chase Ergen, board member of DeFi Technologies, the nation’s forward-thinking regulations, debt-free economy, and strong leadership are driving unprecedented growth in the sector.
Ergen stated that within the next five years, blockchain will become the UAE’s second-largest industry, contributing double-digit percentages to the economy. Sovereign wealth funds such as Mubadala are already boosting their Bitcoin exposure, joining global players like Norway’s wealth fund, which increased its Bitcoin holdings by 192% in 2025.
The UAE has built a reputation as the undisputed hub for crypto and tech in the Middle East and Africa, with its regulatory clarity attracting major digital asset executives and entrepreneurs from around the world.
Airlines in the UAE embrace crypto payments
The travel industry is also fueling the UAE’s crypto momentum. Emirates, Air Arabia, Travala, and Alternative Airlines now accept Bitcoin, Ether, stablecoins, and other cryptocurrencies for bookings. The trend accelerated in July 2025 when Emirates partnered with Crypto.com to allow ticket purchases and in-flight spending in crypto.
Experts believe this move will not only attract tech-savvy tourists and digital nomads but also reshape loyalty programs and rewards systems through blockchain-based innovations. With the backing of Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), airlines are setting a global precedent for travel payments powered by digital assets.
Thailand unveils national crypto sandbox
Thailand is taking steps to revitalise its tourism-driven economy through crypto adoption. Following a successful pilot in Phuket, the Thai government announced a national crypto sandbox in late 2025, allowing tourists to convert and spend digital assets seamlessly via QR code and e-wallet systems.
Jointly operated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bank of Thailand (BOT), the sandbox aims to boost convenience for international visitors at a time when tourist arrivals have fallen by 5%. With tourism accounting for nearly 20% of Thailand’s GDP, digital finance could provide a much-needed boost.
Public response on social media has been largely bullish, with many seeing Thailand’s move as a bold step toward becoming a regional digital asset hub alongside Singapore and Hong Kong. Hopefully, this development could inspire other countries to follow the practice.
Stay informed,
Rodcas Consulting Group