Dubai Duty Free launches Crypto.com Pay across airport stores
The launch follows the regulatory framework established by the Central Bank of the UAE
05 August, 2026
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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.






















