Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), International Holding Company (IHC), and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) have announced a landmark initiative to launch the UAE’s first fully regulated, dirham-backed stablecoin. This groundbreaking project, officially endorsed by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), marks a significant leap forward in the nation’s digital finance evolution. The stablecoin will be designed to ensure robust security, full compliance with local regulations, and unparalleled efficiency for users across various sectors.
The stablecoin will be issued by FAB and operate on the ADI blockchain — an infrastructure developed by the UAE’s ADI Foundation. This blockchain platform aims to provide a secure, scalable, and compliant network for the distribution of blockchain-based payments. By leveraging cutting-edge blockchain technology, the UAE is positioning itself as a regional and global leader in the deployment of digital financial instruments.
Strategic Vision for Widespread Adoption of Stablecoin
Designed for a variety of use cases, the dirham-backed stablecoin will serve retail consumers, businesses, and large institutions. The coin is engineered not only to support traditional transactions but also to facilitate next-generation digital applications, such as machine-to-machine payments in IoT ecosystems and AI-driven transactional models. This wide applicability makes the stablecoin a foundational element for the UAE’s emerging smart economy.
The move by ADQ, IHC, and FAB reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to innovation and regulatory modernization. In a rapidly changing global financial environment, the UAE aims to offer businesses and individuals faster, more secure, and cost-effective ways to conduct transactions. The initiative supports the UAE’s vision to enhance economic diversification, improve financial inclusion, and boost its competitiveness on the world stage.
Importantly, the stablecoin initiative demonstrates how traditional financial institutions are embracing blockchain technology rather than resisting it. By providing a government-regulated and dirham-backed alternative to volatile cryptocurrencies, the project ensures that users can engage in digital finance with the confidence that their assets are secure and fully backed by reserves.
FAB’s involvement as the issuer brings a layer of trust and credibility to the initiative, given the bank’s standing as one of the largest and most reputable financial institutions in the region. Regulatory oversight from the CBUAE ensures the highest standards of compliance, risk management, and consumer protection.
By integrating a regulated national stablecoin into its financial ecosystem, the UAE is setting a bold precedent for other nations exploring similar ventures. As digital assets continue to redefine the global economic landscape, the UAE’s forward-thinking approach ensures it remains at the forefront of technological and financial innovation.