UAE Approves Nation’s First Dollar-Pegged Stablecoin USDU

The UAE’s crypto industry has reached a major milestone, as the central bank approved its first dollar-backed stablecoin, USDU. On Thursday, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) gave a green signal for the launch of USDU, a stablecoin backed 1:1 by the US dollar.

UAE Launches First USD-Backed Stablecoin

According to the latest reports, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has approved the launch of USDU, the UAE’s first dollar-backed stablecoin. The move comes under the bank’s Payment Token Services Regulation (PTSR).

The bank also reportedly stated that the issuance and management of the USDU stablecoin will be handled by Universal Digital, under the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This development makes Universal Digital the first foreign payment token issuer registered by the UAE central bank. Mbank will help Universal as an important banking partner. Universal’s Juha Viitala stated,

“Being the first Foreign Payment Token registered by the UAE Central Bank – and supported by leading UAE banks – gives institutions the clarity and confidence they have been waiting for. It lays the groundwork for a more transparent and efficient digital-asset market in the UAE and beyond.”

With the stablecoin launch, USDU will be formally registered as a foreign payment token. It will be identified as the first USD-pegged token to operate under a central-bank-approved framework. Its reserves are fully backed by US dollars held in safe local accounts at Emirates NBD and Mashreq. Joel Van Dusen, Mashreq’s Group Head, posited,

“We see growing institutional interest in regulated digital-value instruments, and Universal’s introduction of USDU is a timely step that supports this market’s maturation.”

It is worth noting that the UAE’s stablecoin launch comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding the US market structure bill. Lawmakers are clashing over certain provisions of the CLARITY Act, especially concerning stablecoins and DeFi.

What USDU Means for the UAE’s Digital Finance

Significantly, the launch of the USDU stablecoin is a significant step for the UAE’s digital finance sector. With the help of a USD-backed cryptocurrency, the country is introducing safer and more transparent payment methods.

This initiative comes as part of the country’s broader efforts to bolster its crypto space. The country has been strengthening its hold on the industry by introducing strict regulations. For instance, as CoinGape reported, Dubai banned privacy tokens, citing anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance issues.

With solid backing, bank officials of  Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and Mbank, and clear supervision from the central bank, the UAE is working towards creating a safe and reliable world for people and institutions utilizing digital money.