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Dubai Duty Free launches Crypto.com Pay across airport stores

The launch follows the regulatory framework established by the Central Bank of the UAE

Rajiv Pillai
Rajiv Pillai

05 August, 2026

Dubai Duty Free launches Crypto.com Pay across airport stores

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Dubai Duty Free has become the first airport retailer in the Middle East to introduce Crypto.com Pay, allowing eligible customers to make purchases using the regulated digital payment solution at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA), and online.

The rollout marks the implementation of the strategic partnership announced in July 2025, when Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore blockchain-enabled payments and wider digital commerce initiatives.

Customers using Crypto.com Pay can authorise transactions through the Crypto.com app, while Dubai Duty Free receives settlement in UAE dirhams (AED) via Crypto.com’s regulated payment infrastructure.

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, added: “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.”

The launch follows the regulatory framework established by the Central Bank of the UAE. Crypto.com said it is the first Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in the UAE to receive a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) licence from the central bank, enabling it to provide regulated payment services.

The payment option has been integrated into Dubai Duty Free’s existing checkout systems. In-store shoppers can scan a QR code generated at the point of sale using the Crypto.com app to approve payment, while online customers selecting Crypto.com Pay during checkout are presented with a secure QR code to complete the transaction.

The new payment method complements Dubai Duty Free’s existing digital payment options, including Apple Pay, Alipay and TerraPay, and supports the Dubai Cashless Strategy under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which targets 90 per cent of financial transactions across the public and private sectors to be cashless by the end of 2026.

Indian Consulate confirms identity of Dubai showroom explosion victim

The incident occurred at a car showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road when a gas cylinder exploded, killing one person and injuring five others

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

05 August, 2026

Indian Consulate confirms identity of Dubai showroom explosion victim
Image: Getty Images/Image for illustrative purpose

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In a statement shared with local media, the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Dubai has confirmed the identity of the Indian national who died following a gas cylinder explosion at a car showroom on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, as authorities continue investigations into the incident.

The victim has been identified as Shijin Paul, a 27-year-old Indian expatriate from Kerala’s Kollam district, who had been working at the showroom for around eight months. He reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained in Monday’s explosion after being taken to hospital.

In the statement, the Consulate General of India in Dubai expressed its condolences to the family and said it was providing assistance.

The incident occurred at a car showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road when a gas cylinder exploded, killing one person and injuring five others. Dubai Civil Defence responded to the emergency, bringing the situation under control, securing the site and ensuring those injured received medical treatment.

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According to Dubai authorities, emergency teams completed all response operations shortly after the incident, while the site was secured for further investigation. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

Wynn Al Marjan Island set to open in September 2027

The company contributed $48.1m during the quarter to the joint venture developing the resort in Ras Al Khaimah, bringing its total cash contributions to $1.06bn

Neesha Salian
Neesha Salian

05 August, 2026

Wynn Al Marjan Island set to open in September 2027
Image: Wynn Resorts

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Wynn Resorts said its Wynn Al Marjan Island development in the UAE would open in September 2027. The company also reported a marked rise in second-quarter revenue and profit alongside stronger performance in Macau.

The company contributed $48.1m during the quarter to the joint venture developing the resort in Ras Al Khaimah, bringing its total cash contributions to $1.06bn.

Wynn holds a 40 per cent stake in the venture.

“Importantly, we continue to invest in both growing and diversifying our business with construction at Wynn Al Marjan Island progressing at a rapid pace,” chief executive Craig Billings said.

“Wynn Resorts, alongside our partners in Ras Al Khaimah, are now pleased to announce that Wynn Al Marjan Island, the most exciting integrated resort to be developed in over a decade, will open its doors to guests in September of 2027.”

Wynn Resorts’ Q2 numbers

Wynn reported net income of $140.1m for the three months ended June 30, more than double the $66.2m recorded a year earlier. Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.32 from $0.64.

Operating revenue increased by $119.1m to $1.86bn, while adjusted property EBITDAR rose to $568.3m from $552.4m.

Revenue at Wynn Palace in Macau climbed by $113.8m to $653.4m, with adjusted property EBITDAR rising to $201.5m from $157.2m.

Wynn Macau revenue increased by $7.3m to $351.1m, although adjusted property EBITDAR slipped to $95.5m from $96.5m.

Revenue from the company’s Las Vegas operations edged up to $643.2m from $638.6m, while adjusted property EBITDAR fell to $215.2m from $234.8m.

Encore Boston Harbor revenue declined by $6.4m to $209.3m, with adjusted property EBITDAR falling to $56.1m from $63.9m.

Wynn declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on August 28 to shareholders of record as of August 14.

The company repurchased about 741,100 shares during the quarter for $75m and had $326.1m remaining under its share repurchase programme as of June 30.

Wynn held $1.57bn in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter, excluding $527.4m in short-term investments held by Wynn Macau.

Total current and long-term debt stood at $10.72bn.

Air India turbulence injures passengers on Phuket-Delhi flight

Reports said at least 12 people, including passengers and cabin crew, sustained injuries

Rajiv Pillai
Rajiv Pillai

04 August, 2026

Air India turbulence injures passengers on Phuket-Delhi flight
Image: Getty Images/Image for illustrative purpose

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An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence during its descent on Tuesday, leaving multiple passengers and cabin crew injured and highlighting the continuing operational challenges airlines face from unexpected weather-related events.

According to Indian media reports, flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320, experienced a sudden bout of turbulence shortly before landing in the Indian capital. According to Indian media reports citing airline and aviation sources, the aircraft briefly lost around 300 feet in altitude during the incident before the pilots safely regained control and completed the flight to Delhi.

The aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, where medical personnel were on standby. Reports said at least 12 people, including passengers and cabin crew, sustained injuries, while some outlets put the total number receiving medical attention at 14. The injuries were reported to be minor, although several individuals were taken to hospital for further evaluation.

For airlines, severe turbulence incidents can trigger aircraft inspections, operational reviews and regulatory reporting requirements, while also placing renewed focus on crew procedures and passenger safety protocols.

The aircraft involved in Tuesday’s incident was able to continue to its destination without further complications, and authorities are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the turbulence as part of standard aviation safety procedures.

Spotify forecasts slower growth despite AI investment

The company has launched AI features like “Personal Podcasts” and new offerings such as “Reserved” to attract more users and fend off competition

Reuters
Reuters

04 August, 2026

Spotify forecasts slower growth despite AI investment
Image: Getty Images

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Spotify forecast third-quarter profit and monthly active users below Wall Street estimates on Tuesday, underscoring the streaming service’s challenges in maintaining growth despite expanding its offerings of AI-based features to fend off competition.

Shares of the company were down around 4 per cent in premarket trading.

The company has launched AI features like “Personal Podcasts” and new offerings such as “Reserved” to attract more users and fend off competition from rivals including YouTube and Netflix, and AI music startups like Udio and Suno.

Separately on Tuesday, Spotify announced a new agreement with digital music licensing firm Merlin for the Swedish company’s upcoming paid tool for fan-made covers and remixing. It will allow artists on labels under Merlin’s Spotify agreement to participate.

The company said it expects operating income of €670m ($770.97m) in the third quarter, below analysts’ average estimates of €677.8m, according to data compiled by Visible Alpha.

In the second quarter, its operating income came in at €655m, beating estimates of €639.2m, driven by strong revenue growth and lower payroll taxes.

Such taxes, called social charges, are tied to the value of the company’s share price. The company’s stock has fallen about 16 per cent so far this year.

Spotify’s quarterly revenue rose 14 per cent to €4.78bn, slightly below LSEG-compiled estimates of €4.80bn. The revenue forecast of €5bn for the third quarter was slightly above estimates of €4.93bn.

Its monthly active users forecast of 788 million was below Visible Alpha estimates of 793.6 million, while its outlook for a 5 million increase in premium subscribers to 305 million was largely in line with estimates.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi appoints inaugural museum director

Dr Valerie Hillings, who helped shape the museum during its development, will lead the Frank Gehry-designed institution as it prepares to open in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District

Gareth van Zyl
Gareth van Zyl

04 August, 2026

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi appoints inaugural museum director
Pictured left: Dr Valerie Hillings

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Marking a major milestone ahead of its opening, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi has appointed Dr Valerie Hillings as its inaugural director, with the former Guggenheim curator set to lead the landmark institution as it prepares to become a centrepiece of Abu Dhabi’s cultural ambitions.

The appointment was announced on Tuesday by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), which said Hillings will oversee the museum’s strategic direction, inaugural exhibitions and public programmes as the long-awaited institution prepares to welcome its first visitors.

Located in Saadiyat Cultural District, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is one of the emirate’s flagship cultural projects and will join Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi in what is being positioned as one of the world’s leading concentrations of cultural institutions.

Hillings brings extensive experience to the role and is closely associated with the museum’s development. Between 2009 and 2018, she served as curator and associate director of curatorial affairs for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, working with DCT Abu Dhabi on the museum’s collection strategy, acquisitions, pre-opening programming and the development of the Frank Gehry-designed building.

Since 2018, she has been director of the North Carolina Museum of Art, where she led a major reimagining of its permanent collection galleries, oversaw the acquisition of around 400 works and helped double annual attendance to 1.2 million visitors.

“I am honoured to return to Abu Dhabi to complete the once-in-a-lifetime journey of founding and opening Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, a museum developed in the United Arab Emirates by colleagues from both the region and around the world,” Hillings said.

“I look forward to welcoming local and global audiences to the magnificent Frank Gehry-designed building and inviting them to explore points of interconnection and unique stories through the lens of art from the 1960s to our time.”

Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will focus on modern and contemporary art from the 1960s onwards, showcasing artists from across the world through an Abu Dhabi perspective. The museum’s collection, exhibitions, commissions, research and public programmes are intended to foster dialogue across cultures and generations while reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global centre for artistic innovation and creative exchange.

The museum will feature 30 galleries spanning 11,600 square metres of indoor exhibition space, complemented by 23,000 square metres of outdoor exhibition areas across its surrounding terraces and cones.

According to DCT Abu Dhabi, the scale of the institution will make it one of the world’s most significant museums dedicated to modern and contemporary art.

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