AE Coin Goes Mainstream in UAE: Now Powering Flights, Rides, and Everything In Between

Dubai’s crypto revolution hits hyperdrive as AE Coin escapes speculative trading pits—landing in real-world use cases.

From tarmac to taxi lane

Airlines now accept AE for seat upgrades, while ride-hailing apps process payments without touching fiat. The Central Bank’s sandbox experiment just became a highway.

Merchant adoption surges

Over 1,200 new businesses onboarded last quarter—from luxury hotels to falafel stands. Even the gold souks are flirting with AE wallets (between glances at Bitcoin’s price).

The regulatory edge

UAE’s FSA fast-tracks crypto frameworks while Wall Street still debates stablecoin definitions. A rare case of regulators outpacing traders’ greed.

Volatility? What volatility?

Locals shrug off AE’s 30% monthly swings—‘just another Tuesday’ in a market where Lambo dealerships take crypto deposits. Meanwhile, traditional investors hyperventilate into their spreadsheets.

UAE taxi riders can now pay using AE Coin, a Dirham-backed stablecoin. This marks a key milestone in the country’s efforts to integrate blockchain-based payments into daily life.

What Is AE Coin and How Is It Powering UAE Taxis?

As part of Abu Dhabi’s smart city initiative, the Integrated Transport Center has partnered with Al Maryah Community Bank (MBank) to introduce AE Coin payments in taxis.

AE Coin is the UAE’s first Dirham-backed stablecoin, pegged 1:1 to the UAE Dirham. It is designed to deliver price stability, fast settlement, and low transaction costs, making it ideal for everyday digital transactions.

Though relatively new, AE Coin is gaining momentum. It received its final license from the Central Bank of the UAE in December 2024, officially recognizing it as a regulated digital payment solution.

A Boost to Abu Dhabi’s Smart Transport Vision

Tawasul Transport General Manager, Ghena Jbour, emphasized that this integration supports Abu Dhabi’s broader goal of developing a smart and sustainable transportation system, offering passengers more flexible payment options.

MBank CEO, Mohammed Wassim Khayata, added that AE Coin’s integration into transportation aligns with the UAE’s Digital Government Strategy 2025, which focuses on accelerating digital adoption across public and private sectors.

AE Coin Adoption Expands to the Airline Industry

Beyond taxis, AE Coin is now accepted by Air Arabia for flight bookings. This MOVE reinforces the growing real-world utility of stablecoins in the UAE, signaling a broader shift toward crypto-inclusive commerce.

UAE Leads the Way in MENA’s Stablecoin Adoption

The MENA region recorded $338.7 billion in crypto transaction volume between July 2023 and June 2024, accounting for 7.5% of global activity. Within the region, the UAE ranked third, contributing $34 billion in transaction volume with a 30% adoption rate.

According to AE Coin General Manager Ramez Rafeek, stablecoins like AE Coin are proving that crypto can be seamlessly integrated into daily services across transportation and travel.

Conclusion: UAE’s Digital Payment Revolution Is Underway

With regulated stablecoins entering public services, the UAE is advancing its vision of becoming a global hub for digital innovation. The adoption of AE Coin in taxis and airlines is not just a tech upgrade—it’s a strategic step toward a blockchain-enabled economy.

The future of everyday crypto payments is already unfolding in the UAE.

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