Dubai Duty Free has become the first airport retailer in the Middle East to accept regulated cryptocurrency payments, launching Crypto.com Pay at both Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, as well as its online store.
The payment option is available exclusively to eligible UAE residents. Customers authorize payments through the Crypto.com app by scanning a QR code at checkout, while Dubai Duty Free receives settlement in UAE Dirhams (AED) through Crypto.com’s payment infrastructure.
The rollout follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two companies in July 2025 and operates under the regulatory framework established by the Central Bank of the UAE. Crypto.com holds a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) licence from the Central Bank, making it the first Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in the UAE to receive such a licence.
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, said:
“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.”
How it works
Crypto.com Pay has been integrated into Dubai Duty Free’s existing checkout process across in-store, online, and mobile channels.
In-store, the point-of-sale system generates a unique QR code for the purchase amount in AED when a customer selects Crypto.com Pay at checkout. The customer scans the code using the Crypto.com app and approves the payment from their wallet. The purchase is immediately confirmed through Dubai Duty Free’s existing point-of-sale system.
Online at dubaidutyfree.com, customers select Crypto.com Pay during checkout, scan a QR code generated through a secure Crypto.com integration, and confirm payment from their wallet. The order is immediately confirmed through Dubai Duty Free’s existing order management system.
On mobile, customers are redirected directly to the Crypto.com app after selecting Crypto.com Pay, where they review and approve the transaction before returning to Dubai Duty Free to complete their purchase.
Crypto.com Pay joins existing payment options at Dubai Duty Free including Apple Pay, Alipay, and TerraPay. The launch forms part of the Dubai Cashless Strategy under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which targets 90% of financial transactions across the public and private sectors becoming cashless by end of 2026.
Featured image via Shutterstock.