UAE Telecom Giant e& Trials Dirham-Backed Stablecoin for Payments

e& UAE, the Emirates' telecommunications leader, has partnered with Al Maryah Community Bank to pilot AE Coin—a central bank-approved stablecoin—as a payment method across its services. The trial will enable customers to settle mobile bills, home services, and digital platform purchases using the AED-pegged token.

The integration targets e&'s existing payment infrastructure, including mobile apps and self-service kiosks, positioning AE Coin alongside traditional options like cards and bank transfers. CEO Hatem Dowidar highlights "instant settlement and complete transparency" as key advantages, suggesting improved transaction speed and auditability for users.

Al Maryah Community Bank's Mohammed Wassim Khayata frames the collaboration as a step toward mainstream adoption of regulated digital assets, while AED Stablecoin LLC's Ramez Rafeek emphasizes AE Coin's design for real-world utility. The MOVE signals growing institutional embrace of blockchain-based settlement in MENA's telecom sector.