ADNOC Distribution Accelerates Crypto Adoption: Now Accepting AED Stablecoin Payments Across All UAE Locations
ADNOC Distribution just dropped the hammer on traditional payment rails—every fuel pump and convenience store across the UAE now takes AED-pegged stablecoins.
Why This Move Matters
This isn't a pilot program or a limited trial. It's a full-scale deployment that lets drivers bypass card networks and bank settlements entirely. Fill your tank, grab a snack, and settle the bill directly from your crypto wallet. The transaction finality is near-instant—no more waiting for authorization holds to clear.
The Infrastructure Play
Scaling this across a national network required more than just slapping a QR code on a pump. ADNOC had to integrate with compliant digital asset service providers and ensure real-time fiat conversion for accounting. They built a system that handles volatility risk on their backend, so customers see only the stable AED price.
A Nudge for the Skeptics
Let's be real—the average petrol station transaction won't shake the foundations of high finance. But the symbolism is colossal. When a state-linked energy giant embraces digital currency for daily commerce, it signals a maturity move beyond speculative trading. It's utility, plain and simple. (Though one wonders if the accounting department finally got tired of paying card processing fees that would make a Wall Street banker blush.)
The real test begins now: Will consumer behavior shift toward digital wallets for everyday spends? ADNOC just gave them a reason to try.
ADNOC goes full throttle with AE Coin
Eng. Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution, noted that accepting AE Coin across its network represents a significant step in ADNOC Distribution’s journey to enhance mobility and convenience retail through innovation.
He explained, “By embracing blockchain-powered transactions, we are adopting advanced technologies to create the industry’s best customer experiences, while preparing our services for the future.”
Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Community Bank, added that through AE Coin, the company is enabling VIRTUAL asset payments and showcases real-world examples of how blockchain technology can simplify payments and enhance customer convenience.
Ramez Rafeek, General Manager of AED Stablecoin LLC, explained that AE Coin was developed to make secure, instant, regulator-approved virtual asset payments a reality in daily life. He stated, “This partnership shows how licensed and fully reserved payment tokens can be used in mainstream retail environments, moving the promise of crypto from concept to real-world utility at scale.”
AE Coin signs agreements with UAE government and private sector
AE Coin, the first and only AED-backed stablecoin in the UAE, has signed up with telecom operators such as e& UAE, transport and logistics group 7X, real estate entity East & West International Group, as well as the Abu Dhabi Transport Department and Municipalities, Air Arabia, and more.
Crypto.com recently received, through Foris DAX Middle East, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) for a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) license, which WOULD allow it to provide digital payment services for Dubai government fees in UAE Dirham or Dirham pegged stablecoins.
Once the final license is granted, the company will be able to provide digital payment services for Dubai government fees in UAE dirhams or dirham-pegged stablecoins through the SVF framework.
This year, Crypto.com and Emarat gas stations signed an agreement to allow for crypto payments at gas stations in the UAE. This is pending the license from the UAE Central Bank.
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