- The launch is a significant milestone in the successful implementation of the strategic partnership that was announced between Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com in July 2025.
- Transactions are conducted in a safe manner using the regulated payment infrastructure that Crypto.com provides, and the settlement is made in UAE Dirhams (AED) to Dubai Duty Free accounts.
Crypto.com Pay™ has been officially established by Dubai Duty Free, making it the first airport merchant in the Middle East to deploy a digital payment system that is regulated. Customers who are eligible to use Crypto.com Pay™ can now use it when shopping at Dubai Duty Free, which is located in Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA), as well as online at dubaidutyfree.com. With Crypto.com Pay™, customers who are eligible to shop at Dubai Duty Free can authorize payments using their Crypto.com account at checkout, regardless of whether they are shopping in-store or online. Transactions are conducted in a safe manner using the regulated payment infrastructure that Crypto.com provides, and the settlement is made in UAE Dirhams (AED) to Dubai Duty Free accounts.
The launch is a significant milestone in the successful implementation of the strategic partnership that was announced between Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com in July 2025. At that time, both organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to investigate 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 implementation is carried out in accordance with the regulatory framework that was established by the Central Bank of the UAE. Crypto.com is the first Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in the United Arab Emirates to be granted a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) license by the Central Bank of the UAE. This license grants Crypto.com the ability to provide regulated payment services in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Stored Value Facilities license.
The Way That It Operates
The new payment option has been seamlessly integrated into Dubai Duty Free’s existing checkout process. This allows customers who are eligible to be residents of the United Arab Emirates to complete their purchases using Crypto.com Pay™. At the same time, Dubai Duty Free receives settlement in UAE Dirhams (AED) through Crypto.com’s regulated payment infrastructure. This is done in accordance with the regulatory and operational requirements that are applicable.
In-Store Purchases
If a consumer chooses to pay with Crypto.com Pay™ at the point of sale, the point-of-sale system will create a one-of-a-kind Crypto.com QR code that corresponds to the amount of the purchase in AED. To complete the transaction, customers just use the Crypto.com app to scan the QR code and then authorize the payment immediately from their wallet. Following the successful authorization of the transaction, the purchase is instantly verified by the point-of-sale system that is already in place at Dubai Duty Free.
Online Purchases
During the checkout process, customers who are buying at dubaidutyfree.com have the option of selecting Crypto.com Pay™ as their payment method.
Customers are able to confirm their payment from their wallet by scanning a one-of-a-kind QR code that is generated via a secure interaction with Crypto.com. This code is generated by the Crypto.com App. Once the authorization process is completed successfully, the order is instantly verified by the order management system that Dubai Duty Free already has in place.
Mobile Experience
Customers buying on a mobile device will be led immediately to the Crypto.com App after choosing Crypto.com Pay™. This will give them the opportunity to examine and authorize the transaction before returning to Dubai Duty Free to finish their purchase in a seamless manner.
The launch of Crypto.com Pay™ is a continuation of Dubai Duty Free’s long-standing dedication to the development of innovative payment methods. This new payment solution is designed to supplement Apple Pay, Alipay, and TerraPay, among other payment options. The launch contributes to the further strengthening of Dubai Duty Free’s digital payment ecosystem while also supporting the Dubai Cashless Strategy, which is part of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). This strategy aims to make 90 percent of all financial transactions across the public and private sectors cashless by the end of 2026, thereby reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in innovation, tourism, and digital commerce.
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