Dubai Duty Free accepts 30 coins at both airports via Crypto.com Pay, with instant AED settlement. It supports Dubai's 90% cashless target for 2026.
Dubai Duty Free started accepting crypto payments in all of its airport stores and online, using Crypto.com Pay. Shoppers at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports can pay with 30 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ether, as well as meme coins like Shiba Inu.
Crypto.com said it converts the digital currency into UAE dirhams at the point of sale inside its app, protecting the retailer from price swings and giving merchants instant fiat settlement. The rollout came after the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding in July 2025.
“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 Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director at Dubai Duty Free.
Eric Anziani, President and Chief Operating Officer at Crypto.com, said the partnership brings regulated crypto payments into everyday retail operations and offers merchants a safe payment experience with immediate fiat settlement.
The service runs under the Central Bank of the UAE's rules. Crypto.com is the first Virtual Asset Service Provider in the country to hold a Stored Value Facilities license, which covers the payment system.
Crypto.com Pay now works alongside Apple Pay and Alipay at Dubai Duty Free. The integration supports Dubai's Cashless Strategy, part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which targets 90% cashless transactions by the end of 2026.
Dubai Duty Free posted its strongest January on record, with sales of AED858.21 million ($235 million).
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