The UAE has taken a major step toward institutional digital finance with the launch of the DDSC stablecoin, a UAE Dirham-backed token now live on ADI Chain. The initiative, spearheaded by International Holding Company (IHC) and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), has received full approval and licensing from the Central Bank of the UAE, marking a milestone in the development of sovereign-backed digital currencies.
A compliance-first approach to digital money
DDSC is hosted exclusively on ADI Chain’s compliance-ready blockchain, providing 24/7 programmable settlement infrastructure for high-value transactions. The stablecoin is backed 1:1 by UAE Dirham reserves, ensuring transparency and stability for treasury management, cross-border trade, and payments. FAB manages custody across 20 markets, while Sirius International Holding supports institutional adoption. Together, these partners create a trusted ecosystem designed for corporate and institutional users, setting a new standard for regulated digital currency issuance.
Laying the foundation for a global network
Beyond the UAE, DDSC represents the first step toward a broader network of sovereign stablecoins operating on a shared blockchain layer. This framework allows plug-and-play interoperability between national digital currencies, paving the way for efficient cross-border transactions at scale. Major global financial players, including Mastercard, MPESA Africa, BlackRock, and FTI Global, are exploring tokenized asset structures on ADI Chain, drawn by its secure, scalable on-chain infrastructure. $ADI serves as the utility token powering the network, enabling the rails for digital money to be fully operational and ready for adoption.
With the launch of DDSC, the UAE positions itself at the forefront of institutional digital finance, combining regulatory compliance, liquidity, and programmable blockchain infrastructure. This initiative highlights a future in which sovereign-backed digital currencies operate seamlessly across borders, enabling businesses and governments to transact at unprecedented speed and with unprecedented transparency.
Meanwhile, the UAE completed its first transaction using the Digital Dirham. The Ministry of Finance and Dubai Finance confirmed that the pilot transaction, executed through the government’s mBridge payment platform, marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s ongoing digital finance transformation.
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