Abu Dhabi: In a major step toward advancing the UAE’s digital economy, Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank) has signed a strategic partnership with Blockchain Center Abu Dhabi to promote the use of AE Coin, the nation’s first Central Bank–regulated stablecoin. The collaboration will enable digital payments through the AEC Wallet, offering individuals and businesses a secure, compliant, and efficient way to transact using blockchain technology.
This partnership highlights a shared ambition to position the UAE as a global leader in digital innovation and financial technology. By combining Mbank’s expertise in regulated digital banking with Blockchain Center Abu Dhabi’s leadership in blockchain education, advisory services, and ecosystem development, the initiative seeks to build the foundations of a trusted blockchain-powered financial infrastructure.
Strengthening UAE’s Digital Financial Landscape
AE Coin, launched under the supervision of the UAE Central Bank, is pegged 1:1 to the UAE dirham, ensuring price stability and regulatory backing. Its integration with the AEC Wallet allows users to make instant, low-cost, and transparent transactions, helping businesses and consumers alike move toward a cashless, blockchain-enabled economy.
The collaboration is part of the broader UAE National Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to increase the country’s digital economy contribution to the national GDP to nearly 20% by 2031. By adopting regulated blockchain solutions like AE Coin, the UAE is paving the way for a future where financial transactions are faster, safer, and more inclusive.
Under the agreement, both organizations will focus on four core areas:
Enabling seamless transactions for individuals and enterprises via the AEC Wallet.
Expanding blockchain literacy and education through training and awareness programs.
Encouraging innovation under a regulated framework aligned with national policies.
Promoting stablecoin solutions in payments, digital commerce, and cross-border remittances.
A Step Forward in Regulated Blockchain Innovation
Commenting on the partnership, Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Community Bank, said the initiative reinforces Mbank’s mission to deliver forward-thinking digital financial experiences grounded in security and compliance.
“This partnership with Blockchain Center Abu Dhabi demonstrates our commitment to extending the reach of AE Coin and AEC Wallet as trusted, regulated experiences for digital finance. Together, we are enabling businesses and individuals to experience blockchain innovation with the confidence of stability, security, and compliance,” said Khayata.
The move further cements Mbank’s role as a digital banking pioneer in the UAE. Since its inception, the bank has focused on building a technology-driven ecosystem that empowers consumers and small businesses with modern financial tools. The integration of AE Coin into its digital offerings signals a new era of fintech development in the Emirates.
Building Knowledge, Trust, and Adoption
Abdulla Al Dhaheri, CEO of Blockchain Center Abu Dhabi, described the partnership as a key milestone in the Center’s mission to drive blockchain education and implementation across the UAE.
“We are proud to join forces with Al Maryah Community Bank and AE Coin in advancing blockchain adoption across Abu Dhabi,” said Al Dhaheri. “This collaboration not only accelerates the integration of stablecoin solutions but also strengthens our mission to build knowledge, trust, and practical applications of blockchain in the UAE and beyond.”
Blockchain Center Abu Dhabi has been instrumental in developing the local blockchain ecosystem by promoting awareness, training talent, and supporting startups focused on decentralized technologies. This partnership complements those efforts by demonstrating a real-world application of blockchain that aligns with the UAE’s rigorous regulatory standards.
AE Coin: Bridging Trust and Technology
Ramez Rafeek, General Manager of AED Stablecoin, emphasized the transformative potential of AE Coin in reshaping the UAE’s financial landscape.
“AE Coin was created to reshape everyday finance by combining the benefits of blockchain with the trust of central bank regulation and a 1:1 peg to the UAE dirham,” Rafeek said. “Together with Al Maryah Community Bank and Blockchain Center Abu Dhabi, we are building more than just a payment token—we are laying the foundation for a future where businesses and individuals can pay, settle, and transfer value instantly, securely, and with full regulatory confidence.”
Rafeek added that stablecoin technology could revolutionize how payments, remittances, and settlements are conducted in the region, particularly as more government and private institutions adopt blockchain-based financial frameworks.
Supporting the UAE’s Vision for a Digital Future
The partnership underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a regional hub for blockchain-powered innovation and its commitment to fostering a digitally inclusive economy. It also complements the UAE’s ongoing efforts to develop a robust fintech environment through progressive regulations, sandboxes, and investment in digital infrastructure.
As the first fully integrated digital bank in the UAE, Al Maryah Community Bank continues to support the nation’s ambition to become a cashless, technology-driven economy. The bank provides an omnichannel experience tailored for individuals and small businesses, focusing on user-centric digital services that simplify finance and encourage entrepreneurship.
In collaboration with Blockchain Center Abu Dhabi, Mbank is set to advance the UAE’s leadership in fintech, marking another step toward realizing the country’s goal of becoming a global leader in blockchain innovation and digital finance.
About Al Maryah Community Bank
Al Maryah Community Bank is the first fully integrated digital bank in the UAE, offering seamless banking experiences for individuals and businesses. The bank focuses on empowering the UAE community—Nationals, residents, and SMEs—through innovation and technology, in line with the country’s vision for a diversified and forward-thinking economy.
