Dubai Duty-Free enters partnership with Crypto.com to investigate cryptocurrency transactions as payment methods
In a significant move towards financial innovation, Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 8-9, 2025. This agreement paves the way for the implementation of cryptocurrency payment options at Dubai Duty Free retail outlets, Emirates flight bookings, and ancillary services, with a targeted rollout scheduled for 2026 [1][2][3][4].
The partnership aligns with Dubai’s broader digital transformation and innovation agenda, including the UAE’s ambition to achieve 90% cashless transactions by 2026. By offering a seamless digital currency payment experience, the initiative aims to cater to tech-savvy and international travelers, enhancing convenience and modernizing travel commerce [1][2][3].
The MoU outlines plans for joint marketing and customer engagement initiatives, as well as feasibility studies and planning for crypto payment integration, which are set to begin shortly in collaboration with Crypto.com. Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, emphasized the significance of the partnership in driving adoption of digital assets in the region [5].
Ramesh Cidambi, CEO of Dubai Duty Free, called the potential of digital currencies in enhancing the retail experience a "forward-looking step." He added that the move supports Dubai Duty Free's broader strategy of adopting innovative payment solutions, as the company builds a future-ready retail ecosystem through strategic technology partnerships [4].
The signing ceremony took place at Emirates Headquarters in the presence of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The partnership is part of a wider partnership involving Crypto.com across aviation, real estate, and public sector services in the UAE, underscoring Dubai’s position as a global blockchain innovation hub [2][3].
With this partnership, travelers can look forward to using leading cryptocurrencies as a payment method in Dubai Duty Free outlets starting in 2026, marking a significant milestone in mainstream crypto adoption in the travel retail sector.
[1] Gulf News, "Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com to explore crypto payment integration," July 9, 2025,
[2] Khaleej Times, "Dubai Duty Free partners with Crypto.com for crypto payment integration," July 9, 2025,
[3] Arabian Business, "Dubai Duty Free partners with Crypto.com for crypto payment integration," July 9, 2025,
[4] Zawya, "Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com partner for crypto payment integration," July 9, 2025,
[5] CoinDesk, "Crypto.com to partner with Dubai Duty Free for crypto payment integration," July 9, 2025,
- The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com signifies a collaboration to integrate cryptocurrency payment options in Dubai Duty Free retail outlets, Emirates flight bookings, and ancillary services, aiming for a 2026 rollout.
- By adopting cryptocurrency payments, Dubai Duty Free aims to facilitate tech-savvy and international travelers, enhancing convenience and modernizing travel commerce, aligning with Dubai’s broader goal of achieving 90% cashless transactions by 2026.
- The partnership between Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com will drive the adoption of digital assets in the region, as outlined in the MoU, which includes joint marketing and customer engagement initiatives, feasibility studies, and planning for crypto payment integration.
- In the near future, travelers can expect to use leading cryptocurrencies as a payment method in Dubai Duty Free outlets, marking a milestone in mainstream crypto adoption in the travel retail sector, a testament to Dubai’s position as a global blockchain innovation hub.
