Network International Launches UAE’s First In-Store AED Stablecoin Payment Pilot

Network International has launched the UAE’s first in-store pilot for AED-backed stablecoin payments, utilizing the CBUAE-licensed DDSC token. This development is critical for fintech professionals as it marks the first time a regulated digital dirham has been integrated directly into mainstream retail point-of-sale infrastructure, bridging the gap between blockchain and traditional commerce.

What was announced

Network International has partnered with DDSC to enable the first retail pilot of a dirham-backed stablecoin in the United Arab Emirates. DDSC is distinguished as the first stablecoin to be fully licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). The pilot program is currently operational at two major retail sites: the Marks & Spencer branch at Al Futtaim’s Dubai Festival City and the Lulu Hypermarket located at Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi.

The payment process is designed to mirror the QR-based methods already prevalent in the region. When a customer reaches the checkout, the Network International point-of-sale (POS) device generates a QR code. The customer then scans this code using a DDSC-supported digital wallet to authorize the transaction. Once confirmed, the merchant receives an immediate notification through Network’s existing acceptance infrastructure. A significant technical feature of this pilot is the settlement flexibility; merchants can choose to receive funds in DDSC directly into their digital wallets or opt for settlement in traditional UAE dirhams.

DDSC is pegged 1:1 to the UAE dirham and operates on the ADI Chain. The initiative aims to provide merchants with a broader range of payment methods while maintaining the security of established financial infrastructure. Following the successful completion of this testing phase, Network International plans to scale DDSC stablecoin acceptance across its extensive merchant network throughout the UAE, supporting the national ambition for future-ready payment systems.

"We are proud to be one of the building blocks of this important milestone in the evolution of payments in the UAE. Through our partnership with DDSC, Network International merchants will be able to accept payments in DDSC and have the flexibility to settle in stablecoin.Network International serves clients across 56 countries, and we continue to build technologies that make payments increasingly seamless and borderless. Through DDSC, we look forward to reducing the cost and complexity of money movement for our merchants, while providing them with more ways to accept and settle payments.This is another important step towards building the next generation of payment infrastructure in the UAE and the broader MEA region."

Murat Cagri Suzer, Group CEO of Network International.

The companies involved

Network International is a leading fintech provider operating across the Middle East and Africa. The company offers a comprehensive range of payment solutions to financial institutions and merchants in 56 countries. With a significant footprint in the UAE, it manages a vast network of point-of-sale terminals and digital payment gateways, positioning it as a primary intermediary in the region's financial ecosystem. The company has a long-standing history of deploying technology-enabled payment solutions that cater to both established and emerging markets.

The stablecoin used in this pilot, DDSC, was developed through a strategic collaboration between International Holding Company (IHC), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), and Sirius International Holding. As the first stablecoin to receive a full license from the Central Bank of the UAE, DDSC is designed to provide a regulated, secure digital representation of the national currency. Sirius International Holding is a key player in this consortium, focusing on the creation of accessible financial infrastructure. By pegging the asset 1:1 to the dirham and utilizing the ADI Chain for settlement, the partners aim to create a trusted digital asset environment that aligns with the UAE’s broader digital economy objectives.

What FF News has reported before

FF News has documented Network International’s consistent efforts to upgrade payment infrastructure across the MEA region. We recently covered how Network International and Compass Plus Technologies Celebrate 20 years Powering Digital Payments Across Africa, highlighting their long-term commitment to the continent. The company has also focused heavily on security and mobile integration; for instance, Network International and ADCB Egypt launch Egypt’s first Transactional Fraud Solution Powered by Artificial Intelligence with FICO’s Advanced Analytics to combat rising digital threats.

Furthermore, the firm has been instrumental in bringing global mobile standards to local markets, as seen when Network International Powers Card Tokenization for Apple Smartphones in Egypt in Latest Regulatory Rollout. Their expansion into emerging territories was also noted when Network International Partners with Saudi Sudanese Bank to Accelerate Digital Transformation in Sudan’s Banking Sector, demonstrating their role as a regional catalyst for digital banking transformation.

What this means

This pilot moves the needle by transforming stablecoins from speculative digital assets into practical retail tools within a strictly regulated framework. By integrating DDSC into existing POS devices, Network International is removing the hardware barriers that often stall blockchain adoption. This move places significant pressure on traditional card schemes, as stablecoin settlement potentially offers lower transaction costs and faster liquidity for merchants. However, the industry must now observe whether consumer behavior will shift; the success of this initiative depends on whether the convenience of a digital dirham can outweigh the deeply ingrained rewards and protections associated with traditional credit cards. It raises a fundamental question about the future role of commercial banks versus programmable money issuers in everyday retail.