Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com offer crypto payments to UAE residents

Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com Pay™, have partnered officially to offer regulated digital payment solutions using crypto or digital assets. As per the announcement, Dubai Duty Free is the first airport retailer in the Middle East to offer eligible customers the ability to use Crypto.com Pay when shopping at Dubai Duty Free both in Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International airport and online at Dubai Duty Free website.

Using Crypto.com Pay™, eligible customers 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. 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.

As per the announcement, 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.

Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, explained that after the partnership last year, they are no in the roll out phase introducing Crypto.com Pay™. He noted that eligibility is currently offered to UAE residents through Crypto.com’s regulated payment platform. He stated,” 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).”

Last week Emirates Airlines also started offering crypto payments with Crypto.com Pay.

In May 2026, Crypto.com received through its UAE entity Foris DAX Middle East FZE, to receive a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) license from the Central Bank of UAE allowing it to offer crypto payments in the UAE.