In today’s world, where everything is digital, you can’t seem to do much without overhearing the words “crypto” or NFTs. Naim Maadad, Gates Hospitality‘s founder, explores the potential integration of cryptocurrency and NFTs in the UAE’s F&B and hospitality industries.

As digital currency gains prominence, its utilization extends beyond asset acquisition. Consequently, in the hospitality sector, a pertinent question arises: will cryptocurrencies soon become common practice?

Dubai, in its pursuit to establish itself as a global tech hub, has made substantial investments in blockchain technology. Consequently, this effort has attracted major industry players and exchanges to establish their headquarters in the region. With the potential for widespread cryptocurrency adoption looming, Dubai appears to be at the forefront of this transformative trend.

Recent developments in the sector are already evident. Notably, the DayAway platform has recently launched in the UAE. It consequently allows users to not only book hospitality experiences but also provide access to blockchain-powered NFT memberships. NFTs, which have the ability to transform data into unique forms, play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information.

This new landscape presents an intriguing prospect for hospitality groups, such as ours. We are constantly seeking innovative ways to incentivize and reward brand loyalty. The cryptocurrency journey within the industry is not a recent phenomenon.

The evolution of cryptocurrency adoption has been relentless. Consequently, the luxury hospitality group Soneva announced its acceptance of Bitcoin and Ethereum as payment methods. Furthermore, leading payment platforms, like PayPal, are adapting to accommodate cryptocurrency transactions without imposing transaction fees.

Furthermore, many cryptocurrency exchanges offer cards that users can load with digital assets and use for transactions at participating retailers. One standout example is the Binance card, which recently reported a 49 percent increase in users within the MENA region. It is now accepted by over 60 million merchants worldwide.

For restaurants still hesitant to embrace alternative payment methods, this may be the time to reconsider their stance. Digital assets are here to stay, proactive engagement with this transformative tech positions hospitality brands as the real beneficiaries.