UAE Expands Digital Payments as Dubai Duty Free Integrates Crypto.com Pay

TheNewsCryptoОпубліковано о 2026-08-06Востаннє оновлено о 2026-08-06

Анотація

Dubai Duty Free has integrated Crypto.com Pay, enabling customers to make purchases with cryptocurrencies at its airport stores and online. The service, available at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA), supports 30 cryptocurrencies, including major ones and meme coins like Shiba Inu (SHIB). Payments are processed through the Crypto.com app, which instantly converts the crypto into UAE dirhams (AED). This provides protection against price volatility and ensures instant settlement for the retailer. The rollout follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed by both parties in July 2025 to develop blockchain-based payment solutions. This move supports Dubai's strategy to become a world leader in blockchain and cashless transactions, aligning with the D33 economic agenda targeting 90% cashless transactions by 2026. Crypto.com, operating under Central Bank of the UAE regulations, is the country's first licensed Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) with a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) license. Its payment system now operates alongside other methods like Apple Pay and Alipay at Dubai Duty Free.

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).

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Пов'язані питання

QWhat specific development did Dubai Duty Free announce regarding payment methods at its locations?

ADubai Duty Free has integrated Crypto.com Pay, allowing customers to make payments with cryptocurrencies in all of its airport stores (at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport) and online.

QWhich currency is the selected cryptocurrency instantly converted into during a transaction at Dubai Duty Free?

AThe selected cryptocurrency is instantly converted into UAE dirhams (AED).

QWhat is one of the key regulatory achievements mentioned for Crypto.com in the UAE that supports this launch?

ACrypto.com became the first Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in the UAE to obtain a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) license.

QHow does this initiative align with a broader government strategy in Dubai?

AIt supports Dubai's broader strategy and the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) to become a world leader in digital commerce and blockchain integration, aiming for 90% cashless transactions by the end of 2026.

QWhat was the foundational agreement that led to the rollout of Crypto.com Pay at Dubai Duty Free?

AThe rollout followed a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Crypto.com and Dubai Duty Free in July 2025 to develop blockchain-based payment solutions.

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