Gulf News, 5 August 2026: Dubai Duty Free became the first airport retailer in the Middle East to accept regulated cryptocurrency payments, enabling eligible UAE residents to use Crypto.com Pay at Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, and through its website.
The new service allows customers to settle purchases in UAE dirhams via Crypto.com’s regulated payment infrastructure. At checkout, shoppers selecting Crypto.com Pay receive a QR code linked to the purchase amount. By scanning the code with the Crypto.com App, they can authorise payment directly from their wallet, with transactions confirmed through Dubai Duty Free’s point‑of‑sale system.
For online purchases, mobile users are redirected to the Crypto.com App to approve transactions, while desktop shoppers scan a QR code generated at checkout. Dubai Duty Free receives immediate settlement in dirhams, ensuring smooth integration with existing systems.
The launch follows a July 2025 memorandum of understanding between Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com to explore blockchain‑enabled payments. Crypto.com is the first Virtual Asset Service Provider in the UAE to secure a Stored Value Facilities licence from the Central Bank, authorising it to provide regulated payment services.
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