ADNOC Distribution, the UAE's largest fuel and convenience retailer, will begin accepting AE Coin stablecoin for payments across nearly 980 service stations in three countries.
The company signed a memorandum of understanding with Al Maryah Community Bank on Thursday.
Customers will be able to use AE Coin via the bank's AEC Wallet at fuel pumps, Oasis by ADNOC convenience stores and car washes.
The agreement was announced during Abu Dhabi Finance Week.
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What Happened
ADNOC Distribution operates 562 stations in the UAE, 172 in Saudi Arabia and 243 in Egypt.
The partnership makes ADNOC Distribution the first fuel and convenience retailer in the UAE to accept cryptocurrency payments through a regulated stablecoin.
AE Coin is the UAE's first stablecoin licensed by the Central Bank and backed 1:1 with UAE dirhams.
"Accepting AE Coin across our network represents a significant step in ADNOC Distribution's journey to enhance mobility and convenience retail through innovation," said Eng. Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution.
Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Community Bank, said the partnership marks a historic moment for the UAE's financial and retail sectors.
The integration will enable instant, secure blockchain-powered transactions across all customer touchpoints.
Why It Matters
The move demonstrates how government-backed digital assets can transition from concept to real-world retail applications at scale.
AE Coin has already secured partnerships with major UAE entities including e& UAE telecom, Air Arabia, and the Abu Dhabi Transport Department.
The stablecoin's adoption by a major fuel retailer operating across three countries represents a significant test case for regulated cryptocurrency payments in everyday commerce.
By enabling payments through a Central Bank-licensed token, the partnership supports the UAE's broader strategy to advance secure digital payment infrastructure while maintaining regulatory oversight.
The integration also positions ADNOC Distribution ahead of global competitors in adopting blockchain-based payment technology for mainstream retail operations.
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