Dubai Duty Free launches Crypto.com Pay for airport and online purchases

Dubai: Dubai Duty Free has officially launched Crypto.com Pay, enabling eligible UAE residents to make purchases using their digital wallets at Dubai Duty Free outlets at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and through the retailer's online platform. The move makes Dubai Duty Free the first airport duty-free retailer in the Middle East to adopt Crypto.com's regulated digital payment service. Under the new system, customers can use their Crypto.com Pay accounts to complete purchases, while all transactions are securely processed through Crypto.com's regulated payments infrastructure and settled in UAE dirhams (AED). The launch marks the implementation of the strategic partnership announced by Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com in July 2025, when the two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding to explore blockchain-powered payment solutions and broader digital innovation initiatives. Strategic milestone Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said the launch represents an important step in the organisation's digital transformation strategy. "We are delighted to move to the actual launch phase of the digital payment service Crypto.com Pay, which culminates the strategic partnership we forged under the Memorandum of Understanding signed last year," he said. "This service is available exclusively to eligible residents within the UAE through Crypto.com's regulated payment platform, reinforcing our commitment to providing a simple, convenient and innovative payment experience while supporting Dubai's vision to become a global leader in digital commerce." Eric Anziani, President and Chief Operating Officer of Crypto.com, praised Dubai Duty Free's global reputation and commitment to innovation. "Our cooperation with Dubai Duty Free represents an important milestone in expanding the adoption of regulated digital payment solutions for everyday commercial use," he said. He added that customers would benefit from a secure and seamless payment experience while Dubai Duty Free receives immediate settlement in UAE dirhams. Mohammed Al Hakim, President and General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Crypto.com, said the initiative reflects the success of cooperation between Crypto.com, Dubai Duty Free and UAE regulators. "From day one, we were committed to developing a payment solution fully aligned with UAE regulatory frameworks, ensuring all Dubai Duty Free transactions are settled in UAE dirhams while delivering a secure and seamless payment experience," he said. How the service works The new payment option has been integrated directly into Dubai Duty Free's existing payment ecosystem. When customers select Crypto.com Pay at a physical store checkout, the point-of-sale system generates a QR code displaying the purchase amount in UAE dirhams. Customers scan the code through the Crypto.com application and authorise the payment using their digital wallet. Once approved, the transaction is instantly confirmed through Dubai Duty Free's payment system. For online purchases through dubaidutyfree.com, customers can select Crypto.com Pay at checkout. A unique QR code is generated for each transaction and scanned using the Crypto.com app before payment approval. Mobile shoppers are redirected directly to the Crypto.com application, where they can review and authorise the transaction before returning to the Dubai Duty Free website to complete their purchase. Supporting Dubai's digital economy The launch follows the Central Bank of the UAE's introduction of a regulatory framework for digital payments. Crypto.com became the first virtual asset service provider in the UAE to obtain a Stored Value Facility licence from the Central Bank, allowing it to provide regulated payment services under the terms of that licence. The addition of Crypto.com Pay expands Dubai Duty Free's portfolio of digital payment options, which already includes services such as Apple Pay, Alipay and TerraPay. The initiative also supports Dubai's Cashless Strategy under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which targets the digitisation of 90% of financial transactions across the public and private sectors by the end of 2026. By introducing regulated digital asset payments, Dubai Duty Free aims to strengthen customer convenience while reinforcing Dubai's position as a leading global hub for innovation, tourism and digital commerce.