Dubai Duty Free Strengthens Digital Innovation with Launch of Crypto.com Pay for Airport and Online Purchases
Dubai Duty Free has officially introduced Crypto.com Pay, marking a significant advancement in digital payment solutions for eligible UAE residents. This initiative allows customers to utilize their digital wallets for purchases at Dubai Duty Free outlets located in Dubai International Airport (DXB), Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), and through the retailer’s online platform. With this launch, Dubai Duty Free becomes the first airport duty-free retailer in the Middle East to implement Crypto.com’s regulated digital payment service.
The new payment system enables customers to complete transactions securely via their Crypto.com Pay accounts, with all payments processed through Crypto.com’s regulated infrastructure and settled in UAE dirhams (AED). This development is a direct result of the strategic partnership formed between Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com in July 2025, when both organizations signed a memorandum of understanding to explore blockchain-based payment solutions and broader digital innovation initiatives.
Strategic Milestone
Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, emphasized that the launch signifies a crucial step in the organization’s digital transformation strategy. He expressed enthusiasm about reaching the launch phase of Crypto.com Pay, which he described as the culmination of the partnership established under the memorandum signed last year. Cidambi noted that the service is exclusively available to eligible UAE residents, reinforcing Dubai Duty Free’s commitment to providing a convenient and innovative payment experience. This initiative also aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in digital commerce.
Eric Anziani, President and Chief Operating Officer of Crypto.com, acknowledged Dubai Duty Free’s esteemed reputation and commitment to innovation. He stated that the collaboration represents a significant milestone in promoting the adoption of regulated digital payment solutions for everyday transactions. Anziani highlighted the benefits for customers, who will experience a secure and seamless payment process, while Dubai Duty Free will enjoy immediate settlement in UAE dirhams.
Mohammed Al Hakim, President and General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Crypto.com, remarked that the initiative reflects the successful collaboration between Crypto.com, Dubai Duty Free, and UAE regulators. He affirmed that from the outset, the goal was to develop a payment solution fully compliant with UAE regulatory frameworks, ensuring that all transactions at Dubai Duty Free are settled in UAE dirhams while providing a secure payment experience.
How the Service Works
The integration of Crypto.com Pay into Dubai Duty Free’s existing payment ecosystem allows for a streamlined transaction process. When customers opt for Crypto.com Pay at a physical store checkout, the point-of-sale system generates a QR code that displays the purchase amount in UAE dirhams. Customers can then scan this code using the Crypto.com application and authorize the payment through their digital wallet. Once the payment is approved, the transaction is instantly confirmed within Dubai Duty Free’s payment system.
For online purchases made through dubaidutyfree.com, customers can select Crypto.com Pay at checkout. A unique QR code is generated for each transaction, which customers must scan using the Crypto.com app prior to payment approval. Mobile shoppers are directed to the Crypto.com application to review and authorize the transaction before returning to the Dubai Duty Free website to finalize their purchase.
Supporting Dubai’s Digital Economy
The launch of Crypto.com Pay coincides with the Central Bank of the UAE’s introduction of a regulatory framework for digital payments. Crypto.com has become the first virtual asset service provider in the UAE to obtain a Stored Value Facility license from the Central Bank, enabling it to offer regulated payment services in accordance with the terms of that license.
The addition of Crypto.com Pay enhances Dubai Duty Free’s array of digital payment options, which already includes services such as Apple Pay, Alipay, and TerraPay. This initiative also supports Dubai’s Cashless Strategy, part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to digitize 90% of financial transactions across both public and private sectors by the end of 2026.
By implementing regulated digital asset payments, Dubai Duty Free seeks to enhance customer convenience while reinforcing Dubai’s status as a leading global hub for innovation, tourism, and digital commerce.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-08-05 12:36:00 • By the Editorial Desk
