Dubai Duty Free Partners with Crypto.com to Explore Crypto Payments at Airports

Malaz Madani

Last updated 9-07-2025

3 min

Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.

com inked a deal to explore cryptocurrency use in their outlets.

This collaboration aspires to enable payments with digital assets both online and in-store.

Innovative customer options could make airport shopping easier and more fun.

The partnership aligns with the UAE's aim to enhance digital innovation in retail.

Dubai Duty Free's recent success supports this move towards embracing modern payment methods.

Dubai Duty Free has just teamed up with Crypto.com, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the potential for cryptocurrency payments and collaborative initiatives. If you've travelled through Dubai International Airport (and if you're anything like me, couldn't resist grabbing last-minute goodies), you'll know Dubai Duty Free isn’t one to shy away from embracing fresh ideas. Well… I mean, let’s be honest, wouldn’t it be spot on to pay with Bitcoin or Ethereum at the checkout rather than fumbling around changing currencies?

Now, even though we're not quite at the stage of paying for perfume or chocolate bars with crypto at Dubai Duty Free just yet, this partnership opens the doors to exactly that possibility. Under this new MoU, Crypto.com and Dubai Duty Free will explore how digital assets can be introduced both online and in-store. Think of this as making your next airport shopping spree just that bit easier, quicker, and perhaps even more fun!

The agreement was officially inked at Emirates Headquarters in Dubai by Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, and Mohammed Al Hakim, President of UAE Operations at Crypto.com, with HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum himself witnessing the significant step forward.

Speaking afterward, Cidambi highlighted that it's all about innovation and customer choice. He said it perfectly: Dubai welcomes millions annually from every corner of the globe, so introducing cryptocurrency as a payment option certainly feels like a logical next step. I reckon it genuinely reflects Dubai’s quest to lead the charge in tech innovation within the retail space.

On the flip side, Crypto.com is naturally chuffed to bits as they continue expanding real-world use cases for cryptocurrencies. Eric Anziani, President and COO, explained how integrating crypto with iconic brands like Dubai Duty Free significantly boosts digital finance uptake in the region. Meanwhile, Alain Yacine, Crypto.com's President for the Middle East, emphasises the company's commitment to developing innovative products in digital finance.

It's important to mention, as Arageek has often noted, that this shift by Dubai Duty Free is strategically aligned with the UAE's overall aim to accelerate digital innovation in retail and finance sectors alike. Dubai Duty Free isn't new to pushing innovation boundaries either—past payment partnerships have included Alipay and TerraPay, proof they’re consistently ahead of the curve.

Financially, the timing couldn’t be better. Dubai Duty Free turned over AED 4.118 billion (about $1.128 billion) in the first half of this year alone, a healthy jump over last year—clearly they're doing something right. Adding crypto payments seems like another smart move to boost customer satisfaction and cement their position as a global retail innovator.

Next steps? Both teams will be rolling up their sleeves, diving into feasibility studies, and putting together detailed plans to (hopefully) turn this crypto vision into everyday reality soon enough.

Stay tuned, because it seems shopping at Dubai Duty Free might soon become even more enjoyable… and well, futuristic.

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