Dubai Duty Free Becomes Middle East’s First Airport Retailer to Launch Crypto.com Pay™

Dubai Duty Free  has become the first airport retailer in the Middle East to introduce Crypto.com Pay™, enabling eligible customers to make purchases using the regulated digital payment solution across its retail outlets at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA) and through its online store, dubaidutyfree.com.

The rollout marks the implementation of the strategic partnership established between Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com in July 2025, when the two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore blockchain-enabled payment solutions and broader digital innovation initiatives across Dubai Duty Free’s operations.

With Crypto.com Pay™, eligible customers can authorize payments directly from their Crypto.com accounts at checkout, whether shopping in-store or online. Transactions are processed through Crypto.com’s regulated payment infrastructure, while Dubai Duty Free receives settlement in UAE Dirhams (AED).

Commenting on the launch, Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said: “Following the strategic partnership established through last year’s MoU, we are pleased to move into the roll-out phase with the introduction of Crypto.com Pay™. Available exclusively to eligible UAE residents through Crypto.com’s regulated payment platform, this launch reinforces our commitment to providing customers with greater convenience through innovative digital payment solutions while supporting Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in digital commerce.”

Eric Anziani, President and Chief Operating Officer of Crypto.com, described the launch as another milestone in expanding regulated digital payments.

“Dubai Duty Free is one of the world’s most recognised travel retail brands and one of the largest single airport duty free operators globally. The launch of Crypto.com Pay™ marks another important milestone in expanding regulated digital payment solutions for everyday commerce. Customers benefit from a secure and seamless payment experience through Crypto.com Pay™, while merchants receive immediate settlement in UAE Dirhams (AED). This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering innovative payment experiences while supporting Dubai’s ambition to lead the future of digital commerce.”

– Eric Anziani, President and Chief Operating Officer, Crypto.com

The deployment follows the regulatory framework established by the Central Bank of the UAE. Crypto.com noted that it is the first Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in the UAE to receive a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) licence from the Central Bank, allowing it to provide regulated payment services in line with the licence’s conditions.

For in-store purchases, customers selecting Crypto.com Pay™ at checkout are presented with a QR code generated by the point-of-sale system. They complete the transaction by scanning the code with the Crypto.com App and authorising the payment from their wallet, after which the purchase is confirmed immediately. Online shoppers can also choose Crypto.com Pay™ at checkout, where a secure integration generates a QR code that is scanned through the Crypto.com App before payment is approved. Customers using mobile devices are redirected directly to the Crypto.com App to complete the transaction before returning seamlessly to the Dubai Duty Free platform.

The introduction of Crypto.com Pay™ expands Dubai Duty Free’s portfolio of digital payment options, joining services such as Apple Pay, Alipay and TerraPay. The retailer said the move supports the Dubai Cashless Strategy under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims for 90% of financial transactions across the public and private sectors to be cashless by the end of 2026, further positioning Dubai as a global hub for innovation, tourism and digital commerce.