ADNOC Distribution, the UAE’s largest fuel and convenience retailer a subsidiary of ADNOC, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al Maryah Community Bank to integrate AE Coin—the UAE’s first Central Bank-licensed stablecoin, backed 1:1 by the Emirati dirham (AED)—as a payment option.
Payments will be accepted at nearly 980 service stations across three countries whichever includes; UAE (562 stations) Saudi Arabia (172 stations) Egypt (243 stations). Customers can use AE Coin via the AEC Wallet for fuel, Oasis by ADNOC convenience stores, and car washes.
This marks one of the largest real-world deployments of a regulated stablecoin in retail, enabling instant, blockchain-powered transactions. It positions ADNOC Distribution as the first fuel retailer in the UAE to offer this, aligning with the country’s push for digital payment innovation.
The MoU was revealed during Abu Dhabi Finance Week in December 2025, with rollout planned across the network. This development highlights the UAE’s leadership in regulated crypto adoption for everyday use, distinct from speculative assets.
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ADNOC Distribution’s rollout of AE Coin—a fully regulated, 1:1 AED-backed stablecoin issued under UAE Central Bank oversight—across nearly 980 stations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt represents one of the largest-scale integrations of a licensed stablecoin into everyday retail.
This shifts stablecoins from speculative or niche crypto use to practical, high-volume daily transactions like filling up gas or buying groceries. Exposes millions of mainstream consumers—many new to digital assets—to blockchain payments without volatility risks, potentially driving rapid user growth for AE Coin.
Unlike USD-dominated stablecoins like USDT, USDC, this is a local-currency pegged asset embedded in national infrastructure. Its positions the UAE as a global pioneer in compliant digital finance, contrasting with slower or contested adoption in regions like the US.
Its builds on prior steps (e.g., AE Coin’s 2024/2025 approval, integrations with airlines like Air Arabia and telecom giant e&), signaling coordinated government-private sector push. Could inspire similar regulated stablecoin deployments in the MENA region and beyond, serving as a model for integrating blockchain without compromising security or AML/CFT standards.
Its enables instant, low-friction, blockchain-powered settlements, reducing reliance on traditional card networks or cash. Potential for lower transaction costs and faster processing, especially in retail and cross-border contexts within the covered countries.
Useful for expatriates a large UAE demographic sending/receiving money, with lower fees than traditional remittances. It sets a precedent for other industries (e.g., retail, transport, public services) to adopt AE Coin, expanding its ecosystem.
Boosts blockchain’s role in modernizing infrastructure, aligning with UAE’s digital economy goals (e.g., alongside the upcoming Digital Dirham CBDC). Its demonstrates enterprise demand for regulated stablecoins, potentially increasing AE Coin’s circulation and influencing global shifts toward fiat-backed, non-speculative digital assets.
Rollout is gradual and starts as a pilot-like integration; full scale and user adoption remain to be seen. Depends on wallet accessibility, user education, and seamless integration at points of sale.
Regulatory oversight ensures stability but limits it to compliant, non-speculative use—distinct from decentralized stablecoins. Overall, this deployment is a landmark for bridging traditional finance and blockchain, highlighting how regulated stablecoins can achieve mass retail utility faster in proactive jurisdictions like the UAE.
It underscores a maturing crypto landscape focused on real-world efficiency over hype.