Abu Dhabi Airports and Al Hail Holding have signed an MoU to advance the UAE’s standing as a global hub for tourism, fintech, and sustainable mobility.
The agreement highlights Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to shaping the future of aviation through innovative technologies that elevate the passenger experience and contribute to the nation’s broader economic goals.
It establishes a framework to explore next-generation payment solutions, such as stablecoins and digital assets, that enable faster, more secure transactions. This initiative supports the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 by promoting the adoption of advanced financial technologies and driving the development of a future-ready, digitally empowered economy.
Al Hail Holding and its group companies, Index Exchange and Zand Bank, together with Xare, as the technology partner, will implement the project.
Under this strategic collaboration, the partners will work together on the design and deployment of a regulated digital wallet for inbound travelers, which will be piloted at Zayed International Airport.
The digital wallet will provide visitors with a secure and convenient platform for cashless transactions, enhancing their journey through Abu Dhabi Airport while promoting financial innovation in the tourism sector.
In addition to financial technology solutions, the partnership will focus on advancing smart mobility and sustainability projects. These include the integration of AI-enabled systems, intelligent transport technologies, and sustainable infrastructure enhancements to improve operational efficiency, safety, and environmental performance across Abu Dhabi Airports’ network.
Elena Sorlini MD & CEO Abu Dhabi Airports
“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 every step of the traveler journey and redefine convenience, sustainability, and financial access, while showcasing the UAE as the ideal launchpad for a digital economy.”
Hamad Jassim Al Darwish, Chief Executive Officer of Al Hail Holding, said that, “We are proud to collaborate with Abu Dhabi Airports on this forward-looking initiative. Together, we aim to create new opportunities that align with the UAE’s vision for a digital and diversified economy. By combining our expertise in governance, regulatory engagement, and financial services with Abu Dhabi Airports’ operational capabilities, we will deliver innovative solutions that benefit travelers and contribute to the growth of the national economy.”
The agreement establishes a joint steering committee to oversee project development and implementation. Abu Dhabi Airports will provide the necessary infrastructure, operational access, and ecosystem integration, while Al Hail Holding will contribute governance, regulatory engagement, and financial structuring, leveraging its network of financial affiliates, including Zand Bank and Index Exchange. Xare will serve as the technology partner, integrating wallet, payment, and partner interfaces.
This partnership supports Abu Dhabi Airports’ vision of positioning the Emirate as a global leader in next-generation travel. By integrating digital payments, intelligent mobility, and other emerging technologies, the initiatives outlined in the MoU aim to transform airports from traditional transit hubs into dynamic centers where innovation, sustainability, and hospitality converge, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a driving force in the UAE’s digital economy.
