Dubai Duty Free partners with TerraPay to enable instant digital wallet payments for 100M+ customers

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

The global money transfer company, TerraPay, has teamed up with Dubai Duty Free (DDF), the world's largest single airport retailer, to make shopping easier for travelers. Over 100 million customers will now be able to pay for their purchases using digital wallets from their home countries, making transactions more convenient and seamless.

With this collaboration, Dubai Duty Free will integrate TerraPay’s vast network, which connects more than 3.7 billion mobile wallets worldwide. This means that travelers can now use their preferred payment methods while shopping at Dubai’s airports. By embracing digital wallets, Dubai Duty Free aims to offer a smoother and more efficient shopping experience, eliminating the need for cash or multiple currency exchanges.

Mobile wallets are becoming the dominant force in global payments today. According to experts, by 2025, digital wallets are going to account for 52% of the world's e-commerce sales and will be used for 30% of point-of-sale transactions. Furthermore, 35% of all cross-border payments are expected to be made through digital wallets as consumers find them increasingly appealing.

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TerraPay's network now includes leading mobile money services such as Airtel Money, M-PESA, and MTN MoMo, enabling their users to shop at Dubai Duty Free stores via their existing digital wallets. As is in the UAE, embracing innovative financial solutions that enhance consumer experience is vital for the country.

Founder and CEO of TerraPay, Ambar Sur expressed his elation regarding the partnership. "It allows us to introduce seamless digital wallet payments across Dubai International and Al Maktoum International Airports; it is Dubai Duty Free's world's largest single airport retailer," he further said. According to him, TerraPay offers strong cross-border payment infrastructure with the ability to ensure fast, transparent, and efficient payment solutions. This deal is a great example of collaboration that reflects his shared vision on improving customer convenience and accessibility to payments with the partner, he said.

Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, added that the company is committed to improving customer experience. "We are committed to giving our customers the freedom to choose their preferred payment methods," he said. "Dubai Duty Free has always leveraged technology and strategic partnerships to enhance its services. Now, having access to the TerraPay's vast network, we are able to offer more convenient payment to our international traveler.

Cidambi also spoke to the significance of financial inclusion, pointing out that this partnership brings digital payments solutions to a whole new population, underpinning the need for the service. "TerraPay's mission in expanding financial access aligns perfectly well with our vision of making shopping effortless for all travelers," he said.

This partnership is a huge step towards the modernization of airport retail transactions. By embracing digital payment solutions, Dubai Duty Free and TerraPay are leading the way to convenience and accessibility, setting the new standards in global commerce. As digital wallets become an essential part of everyday transactions, this initiative ensures that travelers can shop with ease, no matter where they come from.

About TerraPay

TerraPay is a pioneer in global money movement that facilitates cross-border transactions in an effortless manner. Having over 30 markets approvals, TerraPay allows for payments across borders to and from 150+ receiving countries, 210+ sending countries, over 3.7 billion mobile wallets, 7.5 billion bank accounts, and 12 billion cards. Founded in 2014, TerraPay has been working to make money transfers instant, reliable, and transparent. Headquartered in London, TerraPay has offices in Bangalore, Dubai, Bogota, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, and Singapore. They are backed by some of the major investors: IFC - World Bank, Prime Ventures, Partech Africa, and Visa.

About Dubai Duty Free

Dubai Duty Free is responsible for running duty-free shopping operations at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. Since its establishment in December 1983, DDF has evolved into one of the world's largest travel retail operators in terms of sales volume, which in 2024 reached $2.164 billion. With more than 6,000 staff members working across 40,000 square meters of retail space in Dubai airports, DDF never stops improving and expanding to provide an excellent shopping experience to millions of travelers every year.