UAE retailers begin accepting DDSC stablecoin payments in new pilot

Sep 09, 2026

DDSC and Network International have launched the UAE’s first in-store pilot for payments using a Central Bank-licensed, AED-backed stablecoin, allowing customers to spend DDSC through existing point-of-sale terminals at selected retailers.

DDSC payments use existing retail terminals

When a customer chooses DDSC at checkout, the point-of-sale device generates a QR code that can be scanned through a supported wallet. The network's acceptance infrastructure sends a confirmation to the merchant once the transaction has been completed.

DDSC moves from launch to retail payments

The retail test follows stablecoin's launch earlier this year. As crypto.news previously reported, DDSC launched on ADI Chain in February after receiving approval and licensing from the Central Bank of the UAE.

UAE regulated stablecoins enter payment channels

DDSC is entering retail testing as other regulated stablecoins and crypto payment systems gain access to payment channels in the UAE.

In May, AE Coin and USD Universal introduced a regulated stablecoin conversion rail connecting the dirham-backed AE Coin with USDU, a U.S. dollar-backed payment token. The system, supported by Al Maryah Community Bank, was designed for institutional settlement, treasury operations and cross-border payments.

USDU is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority in Abu Dhabi Global Market and registered with the UAE central bank as a foreign payment token. AE Coin separately received approval from the central bank for its dirham-backed payment token.

View sources >> UAE retailers begin accepting DDSC stablecoin payments in new pilot