Dubai Duty Free Becomes First Airport Retailer in the Middle East to Introduce Crypto.com Pay™ as a Regulated Digital Payment Option

Dubai, UAE, 5 August, 2026 - Dubai Duty Free has officially launched Crypto.com Pay™, becoming the first airport retailer in the Middle East to introduce a regulated digital payment solution. Eligible customers can now use Crypto.com Pay™ when shopping at Dubai Duty Free both in Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA), as well as online at dubaidutyfree.com.

With Crypto.com Pay™, eligible customers shopping at Dubai Duty Free—whether in-store or online—can authorize payments using their Crypto.com account at checkout. Transactions are processed securely through Crypto.com's regulated payment infrastructure, with settlement in UAE Dirhams (AED) to Dubai Duty Free. 

The launch marks the successful implementation of the strategic partnership announced between Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com in July 2025, when both organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore blockchain-enabled payment solutions and broader digital innovation initiatives across Dubai Duty Free's operations.

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."

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

How It Works

The new payment option has been seamlessly integrated into Dubai Duty Free's existing checkout process, enabling eligible UAE resident customers to complete purchases using Crypto.com Pay™ while Dubai Duty Free receives settlement in UAE Dirhams (AED) through Crypto.com's regulated payment infrastructure, in accordance with applicable regulatory and operational requirements.

In-Store Purchases

When customers choose Crypto.com Pay™ at checkout, the point-of-sale system generates a unique Crypto.com QR code for the purchase amount in AED. Customers simply scan the QR code using the Crypto.com App and approve the payment directly from their wallet. Once the transaction is successfully authorised, the purchase is immediately confirmed through Dubai Duty Free's existing point-of-sale system.

Online Purchases

Customers shopping at dubaidutyfree.com can select Crypto.com Pay™ as a payment option during checkout.

A secure integration with Crypto.com generates a unique QR code, which customers scan using the Crypto.com App before confirming payment from their wallet. Upon successful authorization, the order is immediately confirmed through Dubai Duty Free's existing order management system. 

Mobile Experience

Customers shopping on a mobile device will be redirected directly to the Crypto.com App after selecting Crypto.com Pay™, allowing them to review and approve the transaction before seamlessly returning to Dubai Duty Free to complete their purchase.

The introduction of Crypto.com Pay™ builds on Dubai Duty Free's long-standing commitment to payment innovation, complementing existing payment solutions including Apple Pay, Alipay and TerraPay. The launch further strengthens Dubai Duty Free's digital payment ecosystem while supporting the Dubai Cashless Strategy under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims for 90% of financial transactions across the public and private sectors to become cashless by the end of 2026, reinforcing Dubai's position as a global leader in innovation, tourism and digital commerce.

About Crypto.com

Founded in 2016, Crypto.com is trusted by millions of users worldwide and is the industry leader in regulatory compliance, security and privacy. Our vision is simple: Cryptocurrency in Every Wallet™. Crypto.com is committed to accelerating the adoption of cryptocurrency through innovation and development of new use cases including prediction markets and tokenized RWAs.

Learn more at https://crypto.com.