Ripple Expands in the UAE

Ripple has secured an important approval in Abu Dhabi. The local regulator has authorized the institutional use of RLUSD, the company’s U.S. dollar–backed stablecoin. According to Ripple’s announcement, the decision means that licensed entities operating within the Abu Dhabi Global Market can now use RLUSD in permitted financial services. ADGM is an international financial center located on Al Maryah and Al Reem islands.

The approval comes from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority. Institutions looking to adopt the stablecoin must meet the requirements for fiat-referenced tokens, including reserve management rules and disclosure standards. Ripple highlights that RLUSD already has a market capitalization of over $1 billion and is gaining traction in use cases such as payments and financial collateral.

The company continues to strengthen its presence in the region. In 2024, Ripple applied for a license in Dubai, and in March it confirmed full authorization to provide cross-border services in the DIFC. In June, the local regulator also approved RLUSD for use in regulated activities, including payments and fund management.

In the UAE, Ripple Payments is already used by Zand Bank and the Mamo app. RLUSD itself, introduced at the end of 2024, is issued under a New York license, fully backed by cash reserves, and maintains a 1:1 peg to the U.S. dollar.

The latest approval from Abu Dhabi authorities underscores Ripple’s growing global expansion and further strengthens the company’s position in the worldwide blockchain-based financial services sector.