- Dubai Duty Free has integrated Crypto.com Pay to facilitate crypto payments.
- Shoppers can make payments using 30 different cryptocurrencies from the airports or online stores.
- Crypto.com converts the transactions into UAE dirhams immediately for the merchants’ benefit.
Dubai Duty Free has integrated the payment system through incorporating crypto payments in all of its airport stores and even online. Customers will be allowed to make purchases through Crypto.com Pay if they are eligible to do so. The integrating cryptocurrencies in one of the busiest international airports in the world. This development is aligned with Dubai’s broader strategy of becoming a world leader in blockchain integration and cashless transactions.
Kazinform says, customers will now be able to pay with a total of 30 cryptocurrencies that include major digital currencies and meme coins like Shiba Inu (SHIB). The service will operate from the Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA).
Instant Settlement of Crypto Payment in Dirhams
Customers can pay via the Crypto.com Pay wallet by approving their payments inside the Crypto.com app itself. Crypto.com instantly converts the selected cryptocurrency into UAE dirhams (AED). This offers protection against price volatility and ensuring instant settlements for Dubai Duty Free. Also via the regulated payment system of Crypto.com.
Crypto.com and Dubai Duty Free announced the rollout following the Memorandum of Understanding they signed in July 2025. According to which both companies agreed to develop blockchain-based payment solutions. “This innovative payment solution further adds options for digital payment and also supports the vision of Dubai to become the leader of digital commerce across the world,” said Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi.
Digital Commerce Strategy Moves Forward
Eric Anziani, President and Chief Operating Officer at Crypto.com, said that the collaboration will help make regulated cryptocurrency payments a part of regular retail operations while offering a safe payment experience and immediate fiat settlements to merchants. The launch is done in accordance with the regulations set out by the Central Bank of the UAE, and Crypto.com became the first Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) of the country to have a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) license.
Now, Crypto.com Pay serves alongside other payment methods such as Apple Pay, Alipay, and TerraPay available in Dubai Duty Free. This program also contributes to the Dubai Cashless Strategy set out in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), aiming for 90% cashless transactions by the end of 2026. In January this year, Dubai Duty Free set a record for the strongest January sales, earning AED858.21 million ($235 million).
Highlighted Crypto News:
GSR Increases Bitcoin Exposure After Crypto Core3 Portfolio Drops 57.78%
