UAE Launches First Regulated USD Stablecoin USDU Under Central Bank Approval

The UAE has taken a significant step in its digital asset strategy with the launch of USDU, the nation's first fully regulated USD-backed stablecoin. Universal, the issuer behind USDU, has been recognized as the inaugural Foreign Payment Token Issuer approved by the UAE Central Bank under the Payment Token Services Regulation.

USDU emerges as a compliant settlement solution for institutional participants in the UAE's growing digital asset ecosystem. The stablecoin is backed by reserves held in onshore accounts at Emirates NBD and Mashreq, with monthly attestations ensuring transparency. This model aligns with evolving global standards for stablecoin regulation.

The introduction of USDU provides financial institutions with a structured mechanism for USD-denominated digital settlements within the UAE market. As the first Registered Foreign Payment Token under the new framework, USDU sets a precedent for regulated stablecoin adoption in the region.