Image: WAM
Abu Dhabi Airports, Al Hail Holding and technology partner Xare have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing the UAE’s position as a global hub for tourism, fintech, and sustainable mobility.
The collaboration will pilot next-generation payment solutions and smart transport initiatives designed to enhance passenger experiences and support the nation’s digital economy ambitions.
Under the agreement, the partners will develop a regulated digital wallet for inbound travellers, to be piloted at Zayed International Airport.
The wallet will enable secure, cashless transactions and offer visitors a streamlined platform for payments across airport services, integrating stablecoin and digital-asset capabilities.
The initiative aligns with the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, promoting adoption of advanced financial technologies and supporting a future-ready economy.
The partnership also targets smart mobility and sustainability projects, including AI-enabled systems, intelligent transport technologies, and infrastructure upgrades to improve efficiency, safety, and environmental performance across Abu Dhabi Airports’ network.
Abu Dhabi Airports collab to support traveller journey
Elena Sorlini, MD 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 every step of the traveller journey and showcase the UAE as the ideal launchpad for a digital economy.”
Hamad Jassim Al Darwish, CEO of Al Hail Holding, added: “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 travellers and contribute to national growth.”
Milind Singh, co-founder of Xare, said: “By leveraging our tech stack spanning instant onboarding, programmable payments, and merchant connectivity, we can unlock entirely new traveller experiences and monetisation opportunities across the airport and wider city. This pilot sets the stage for a seamless, cashless journey from touchdown to take-off.”
The MoU establishes a joint steering committee to oversee development and implementation. Abu Dhabi Airports will provide infrastructure and ecosystem integration, Al Hail Holding will contribute regulatory and financial expertise, and Xare will deliver the technological interface linking the wallet and payments ecosystem.
The collaboration underlines Abu Dhabi Airports’ ambition to transform airports from transit points into hubs where technology, sustainability, and hospitality converge.
Read: Abu Dhabi Airports reports 17th consecutive quarter of double-digit pax growth in H1 2025
