UAE. Dubai Duty Free has expanded its digital payment offering with the launch of Crypto.com Pay, becoming the first travel retailer in the Middle East to adopt the solution.
Crypto.com Pay is available across Dubai Duty Free’s retail network at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports, as well as through its online store.
The payment service enables secure transactions via Crypto.com’s regulated payment infrastructure, with settlement in UAE Dirhams (AED).
The roll-out builds on a strategic partnership announced in July 2025 to advance blockchain-enabled payments and broader digital innovation across Dubai Duty Free’s operations.
Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi 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.”
Crypto.com President and Chief Operating Officer Eric Anziani 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. Customers benefit from a secure and seamless payment experience through Crypto.com Pay, while merchants receive immediate settlement in UAE Dirhams.
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering innovative payment experiences while supporting Dubai’s ambition to lead the future of digital commerce.”
The roll-out also aligns with the Central Bank of the UAE’s regulatory framework. Crypto.com is the first Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in the UAE to obtain a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) licence from the Central Bank, authorising it to provide regulated payment services.
Payment experience
Crypto.com Pay is seamlessly integrated into Dubai Duty Free’s existing checkout process, allowing eligible UAE residents to pay for their purchases while ensuring settlement to Dubai Duty Free in UAE Dirhams through Crypto.com’s regulated payment infrastructure.
During checkout, the point-of-sale system generates a unique Crypto.com QR code for the purchase amount in AED.
Customers can scan the code using the Crypto.com App and authorise the payment from their wallet. Following authorisation, the transaction is confirmed instantly through Dubai Duty Free’s existing point-of-sale system.
Crypto.com Pay is also available for purchases made through the retailer’s online platform.
Upon checkout, a unique QR code is generated, which customers scan using the Crypto.com App before approving the payment from their wallet. Once the transaction is authorised, the order is immediately confirmed through Dubai Duty Free’s existing order management system.
Customers shopping on their mobile devices are redirected to the Crypto.com App after selecting Crypto.com Pay, where they can review and approve the transaction before returning to Dubai Duty Free to complete their purchase.
The latest payment solution expands the retailer’s range of innovative payment options, which already includes Apple Pay, Alipay and TerraPay.
The launch supports the Dubai Cashless Strategy under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which targets 90% of financial transactions across the public and private sectors to be cashless by the end of 2026 as part of the emirate’s digital economy ambitions. ✈
