Dubai Duty Free Adds Crypto Payments With Crypto.com

Dubai Duty Free has officially integrated Crypto.com Pay into its operations. This move makes the retailer the first in the Middle East to accept regulated cryptocurrency payments across its locations, including Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. The service is also available to shoppers on their online store.

This update is specifically for eligible UAE residents. To use the service, customers scan a QR code via their Crypto.com app at checkout. The system is designed to provide immediate settlement in UAE Dirhams for the merchant, which simplifies the accounting process while allowing shoppers to spend their digital assets directly.

The partnership follows a formal agreement signed last year and operates under a license from the Central Bank of the UAE. Crypto.com holds a Stored Value Facilities license, making it a regulated provider in the region. This launch aligns with the Dubai Cashless Strategy, an initiative aimed at moving nearly all financial transactions in the region to digital formats by the end of 2026.

Investors and travelers should watch to see if this model spreads to other retailers in the region. As Dubai continues to position itself as a hub for digital commerce, the success of this integration could signal a broader shift toward mainstream crypto adoption for daily retail purchases in the UAE.