Dubai, UAE – Dubai Duty Free has launched a regulated cryptocurrency payment gateway across its physical airport outlets and e-commerce platform in partnership with Crypto.com, making it the first airport retailer in the Middle East to accept digital asset transactions.
The implementation follows closely on the heels of a parallel agreement rolled out by Emirates airline, which recently integrated Crypto.com Pay across its website and the Emirates mobile application. Both initiatives stem from strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) inked in July 2025 to develop blockchain-backed commerce solutions and align directly with the Dubai Economic Agenda Cashless Strategy, which aims to drive digital transactions to 90% across the emirate.
The payment system is operational across Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, and the retailer’s web store. Point-of-sale terminals generate dynamic QR codes pegged to transaction amounts in UAE dirhams, allowing travellers to pay via digital asset balances. All transactions settle instantly in local fiat currency, eliminating merchant exposure to cryptocurrency price volatility.
The integration opens up a high-volume retail environment to digital asset liquidity. Dubai Duty Free recorded an all-time record annual turnover of AED 8.680 billion (US$2.378 billion) in 2025, a 9.85% increase over 2024 revenues, processing more than 21 million individual transactions throughout the year at an average of over 58,200 purchases per day.
However, the initial deployment is restricted to verified UAE residents who have completed local Know Your Customer protocols, including Emirates ID authentication. Broader access for international travelers is scheduled for subsequent phases.
The payment gateway operates under the supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE using Crypto.com’s Stored Value Facilities licensing framework.
Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, noted that the deployment supports the broader retail modernization strategy across Dubai’s travel hubs. “Available exclusively to eligible UAE residents through a regulated payment platform, this launch reinforces our commitment to providing customers with greater convenience through digital payment solutions while supporting Dubai’s digital commerce vision,” Cidambi said.
“The integration marks an important step in expanding regulated digital payment infrastructure for everyday commerce, providing customers with a secure payment journey while enabling merchants to receive instant local fiat settlement,” said Eric Anziani, President and Chief Operating Officer of Crypto.com.
While Dubai Duty Free marks the first implementation of its scale in the Middle East, airports worldwide have progressively experimented with cryptocurrency point-of-sale infrastructure:
Recognized as the world’s first crypto-friendly airport hub, Brisbane Airport partnered with TravelbyBit to enable Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies across dozens of retail, dining, and duty-free concessionaires in both domestic and international terminals. In global e-commerce and payments infrastructure, Crypto.com has partnered with Stripe to enable cryptocurrency checkouts across millions of online storefronts with automated merchant fiat payouts, while native plugins for Shopify and WooCommerce allow direct-to-consumer merchants worldwide to accept digital currency seamlessly.