Introduction to DDSC and Network International’s Pilot Program
In a groundbreaking move for the UAE’s digital currency landscape, DDSC and Network International have inaugurated a pioneering pilot program allowing in-store payments via a Central Bank-approved AED-pegged stablecoin. Customers can now utilize DDSC through existing point-of-sale systems at select retail locations, including the Marks & Spencer at Dubai Festival City and LuLu Hypermarket in Abu Dhabi’s Khalidiyah Mall.
Details of the Pilot Program
The announcement, shared on September 9 to crypto.news, details that this pilot program will enable consumers who possess compatible wallets to make payments using DDSC. Merchants participating in the initiative have the flexibility to receive payments in either the stablecoin or UAE dirhams, depending on their agreement with Network International.
DDSC is designed to maintain a 1:1 tie with the UAE dirham and operates on the ADI Chain, a blockchain system developed through cooperative efforts among several entities, including International Holding Company, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Sirius International Holding. To streamline the payment process, this initiative utilizes Network International’s established payment infrastructure, eliminating the need for merchants to install new checkout systems.
Payment Process and Future Plans
When customers select DDSC at checkout, the point-of-sale terminal generates a QR code that can be easily scanned using a supported wallet. A confirmation is relayed to the merchant once the transaction is complete.
After this testing phase, Network International plans to broaden the acceptance of DDSC across its extensive network, which supports over 240,000 merchants and collaborates with more than 250 financial institutions globally.
Industry Insights and Significance
Murat Cagri Suzer, the group CEO of Network International, remarked on the initiative, stating that this integration will provide merchants with enhanced options for processing payments. He noted, “This collaboration will allow Network International merchants to accept payments in DDSC and enjoy the option to settle in stablecoin.”
Saifee Rupawala, CEO of LuLu Retail, indicated that their store is among the very first in the UAE to adopt this payment method, highlighting the significance of the pilot. Similarly, Eric Shehadeh, Director of Financial Services at Al-Futtaim Group, shared insights into the vast number of transactions managed by their organization annually, illustrating the impact and potential reach of this new payment system.
Regulatory Compliance and Technological Framework
This retail test is significant as it builds upon the earlier launch of DDSC on ADI Chain in February, following its endorsement by the Central Bank of the UAE. DDSC is duly licensed under the Payment Token Services Regulation and is backed by an asset reserve in compliance with relevant regulations. It supports various functions such as payments, settlements, and treasury operations within the digital financial infrastructure.
First Abu Dhabi Bank is overseeing the banking components of the project while ADI Chain serves as the blockchain backbone. Initiated in December 2025, ADI Chain is specifically designed for handling stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets, having been selected as the platform for the UAE dirham stablecoin.
Broader Trends in the UAE’s Digital Currency Sector
The move coincides with broader trends in the UAE’s digital currency sector, as other regulated stablecoins and crypto payment solutions begin to emerge. Earlier in the year, AE Coin established a regulated connection between its dirham-backed currency and the US-dollar backed USDU. This program is enabled by Al Maryah Community Bank and aims to enhance institutional settlement and cross-border payment capabilities.
With these advancements, DDSC is venturing into retail, transitioning from a blockchain-focused utility to facilitating transactions in physical stores, marking a significant step forward in the application of regulated digital assets.
Ajay Hans Raj Bhatia, CEO of Sirius International Holding, praised the initiative as a crucial stride towards integrating regulated digital assets into everyday transactions, stating, “With the incorporation of DDSC into existing payment systems, we’re making the benefits of digital finance accessible for both businesses and consumers.”
Conclusion and Future Outlook
As the pilot unfolds, Network International has yet to announce a schedule for expanding this stablecoin acceptance beyond the current participants, but anticipates scaling up post-evaluation of this initial phase.
