UAE Central Bank advances five AED-backed stablecoin projects under regulatory framework
Published · Updated
What happened
The Central Bank of the UAE announced that five dirham-backed stablecoin initiatives are advancing within the central bank's framework. In the same update, the bank said it is preparing the next phase of the Digital Dirham and a public consultation on changes to the Payment Token Services Regulation.
Why it matters
The announcement gives regulated momentum to UAE payment-token issuance and indicates that rule changes for reserve backing, redemption, licensing and payment use may move in parallel with the Digital Dirham rollout. That can alter market entry plans for banks, fintechs and merchants and shape how AED-denominated digital payments connect to domestic and cross-border rails.
On September 18, 2026, the Central Bank of the UAE said five AED-backed stablecoin initiatives are progressing within its regulatory framework. The bank also said it is moving to the next phase of the Digital Dirham and will launch a public consultation to refine its Payment Token Services Regulation. The announcement links private payment-token activity with the state-led digital currency roadmap and signals nearer-term regulatory choices for licensing, interoperability and consumer safeguards.
Watch for
Central Bank of the UAE publication of the Payment Token Services Regulation consultation paper on or after 2026-09-19 Central Bank of the UAE statement naming the five AED-backed stablecoin initiatives or their licensing status by 2026-09-22 Digital Dirham program update from the Central Bank of the UAE specifying pilot scope, participants, or settlement use cases by 2026-09-22 Abu Dhabi Global Market or Dubai Financial Services Authority notice on coordination with CBUAE payment-token rules by 2026-09-22
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