Dubai Duty Free has become the first airport retailer in the Middle East to introduce the regulated digital payment solution Crypto Pay.
Eligible customers can now use their Crypto Pay account at checkout to scan their unique QR code when shopping at Dubai Duty Free both in Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA), as well as online at dubaidutyfree.com.
For customers shopping on their mobile phones, they will be redirected to the Crypto App before reviewing and approving their transaction.
The new payment option has been integrated into Dubai Duty Free's existing checkout process, enabling eligible UAE resident customers to complete purchases using Crypto while Dubai Duty Free receives settlement in UAE Dirhams (AED) through the regulated payment infrastructure.
It comes after Dubai Duty Free and Crypto in July 2025 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore blockchain-enabled payment solutions and broader digital innovation initiatives.
The introduction builds on Dubai Duty Free's long-standing commitment to payment innovation, complementing existing payment solutions including Apple Pay, Alipay and TerraPay.
It also supports the Dubai Cashless Strategy under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims for 90 per cent of financial transactions across the public and private sectors to become cashless by the end of 2026.
Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said it will "provide customers with greater convenience through innovative digital payment solutions", while Crypto President and Chief Operating Officer Eric Anziani labelled Dubai Duty Free as "one of the world's most recognised travel retail brands".
Dubai Duty Free officially launches https://t.co/HZnta4pnXb Pay™, becoming the first airport retailer in the Middle East to introduce the regulated digital payment solution. Eligible customers can now use https://t.co/HZnta4pnXb Pay™ when shopping at Dubai Duty Free both in… pic.twitter.com/7G2iNMQLX2
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 5, 2026
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