Raghav Chopra
In a first-of-its-kind initiative that could further speed up crypto adoption in the U.A.E., Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai has signed a partnership with Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange, to allow guests at the hotel to make payments using the Bybit Card. The card, backed by Mastercard, will enable transactions in both cryptocurrency and traditional fiat currencies. According to BYBIT, the card will comply with all regulatory and security requirements to ensure the safety of customers’ funds.
Alliance to drive real-world adoption of crypto
The partnership is seen as a step toward integrating cryptocurrency into more mainstream consumer experiences, particularly in sectors such as travel, hospitality, and lifestyle. While crypto payments have been slowly entering retail and tech services, their integration into hotel services remains rare, especially in the region.
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“Bybit is on a mission to integrate crypto payments into every spending and daily luxuries for our community. UAE is one of the most popular destinations for entrepreneurs and crypto fans, and this partnership reflects our commitment to supporting them throughout their crypto journeys around the world,” said Helen Liu, COO & Partner of Bybit.
UAE grows as a crypto friendly destination
The UAE has increasingly positioned itself as a crypto-friendly destination, with a robust regulatory framework emerging over the past two years to attract digital asset firms. Bybit, which has over 2 million users globally, is using the partnership to further its aim of onboarding new users from traditional, or Web2, platforms into the Web3 ecosystem.
The partnership with Grand Millennium Hotel also includes a loyalty rewards program with Bybit cardholders receiving up to 30% discounts on selected offerings at the property, including restaurants such as Belgian Beer Café and Toshi Pan Asian Restaurant, entertainment venues like Lucky Voice Dubai, and wellness outlets such as Juzz Bar. The benefits also apply to room bookings, serviced apartments, meeting spaces, and catering services.
“This partnership is a signal of where the future of travel and lifestyle is headed,” said Giacomo Puntel, General Manager of Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai. “As the first hotel brand in the region to join forces with Bybit, we are proud to be part of a digital evolution that places accessibility, innovation, and guest experience at the heart of everything we do.”
The Bybit Card, which has issued more than 1.7 million cards worldwide, also offers additional features including access to travel deals, early entry to events, and a network of international partner businesses.
Bybit enhances footprint in MENA
Bybit also announced a strategic partnership with Ghaf Labs, a MENA-based Web3 boutique advisory and consultancy firm, to drive crypto adoption, ecosystem development, and real-world utility across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Through this partnership the two companies aim to drive their mission to position the region as a global Web3 hub by accelerating innovation, supporting regulatory clarity, and fostering meaningful use cases that integrate blockchain into daily life.
Ghaf Labs, backed by Ghaf Capital Partners, is a blockchain-focused private capital firm based in Dubai offering tailored advisory and incubation services to Web3 ventures across MENA.
Together, Bybit and Ghaf Labs will provide equity-free grants, startup support, and access to strategic resources for ventures exploring blockchain, AI, and sustainability—sectors central to the region’s digital transformation.
