Abu Dhabi Courts Begin Accepting Cryptocurrency Payments — A Regional First

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Read Time:1 Minute, 42 Second

In a groundbreaking move, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has become the first public entity in the Middle East to accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment for court-related services. This initiative is part of the UAE’s broader digital transformation strategy and reinforces the country’s position as a fintech pioneer in the region.

The ADJD now allows users to pay judicial fees using AE Coin, a UAE-backed stablecoin, through the regulated AEC Wallet. Developed in partnership with Al Maryah Bank, the wallet ensures secure and compliant transactions. This advancement enables both residents and businesses to conveniently settle legal fees with digital currency—streamlining the process while embracing innovative payment solutions.

Dr. Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of the ADJD, emphasized that this move aligns with the UAE’s commitment to smart government services and digital innovation. It marks a significant leap in integrating blockchain and fintech into the country’s judicial and administrative systems.

AE Coin, which is pegged to the UAE dirham and governed by AED Stablecoin, has already gained traction within the public sector. It’s being used for payments with the Integrated Transport Centre and Air Arabia, and its expansion into the legal domain signals growing institutional trust in regulated crypto assets.

Al Maryah Bank’s CEO, Mohammed Wassim Khayata, praised the collaboration as a forward-looking step in secure government payment systems. Meanwhile, AED Stablecoin CEO Ramez Rafiq noted that public-sector adoption of AE Coin is steadily rising, with more government departments showing interest.

In parallel developments, the ADI Foundation—alongside First Abu Dhabi Bank and sovereign wealth fund ADQ—is working on another dirham-backed stablecoin, AEDC. Dubai is also moving forward in this space, exploring crypto payment integrations through partnerships with leading blockchain firms.

Abu Dhabi’s decision to accept cryptocurrency for court services is more than a milestone—it’s a statement. It demonstrates how traditional institutions can adapt to the future of finance, setting the stage for widespread adoption of digital currencies across the region’s public sector.

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RAKBANK Partners with National Bonds to Expand Sharia-Compliant Digital Investments

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RAKBANK has officially joined National Bonds’ fintech platform, Al Manassah—marking a major step forward in the UAE’s digital Islamic finance journey.

Al Manassah, launched in 2013, is a pioneering platform for trading Mudaraba-based Sukuk. It enables 24/7 issuance, transfer, and redemption of Sukuk digitally. To date, it has processed over AED 199 billion in transactions, including AED 33 billion in 2024 alone.

The inclusion of RAKBANK enhances the platform’s accessibility and reflects the growing demand for Sharia-compliant, tech-driven financial solutions. Both institutions emphasize that this partnership aligns with national goals of fintech innovation and financial inclusion.

Quote from National Bonds CEO, Mohammed Qasim Al Ali:
“This collaboration extends our mission to democratize access to Islamic investment tools through advanced fintech.”

Quote from RAKBANK CEO, Raheel Ahmed:
“We’re proud to offer our customers a seamless, Sharia-compliant investment experience through this digital integration.”

This partnership underscores the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global hub for ethical and innovative finance.

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Amazon Partners with Tamara to Expand BNPL in UAE and KSA

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Read Time:1 Minute, 21 Second

Amazon Payment Services has joined forces with Tamara, the leading Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) provider in the GCC, to offer a seamless instalment payment experience across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This strategic partnership brings Tamara’s Sharia-compliant, interest-free payment solution to Amazon’s regional merchant network—strengthening the growing demand for flexible digital payments.

With this integration, shoppers can now split purchases into four interest-free instalments directly at checkout. The initiative not only enhances convenience for consumers but also empowers businesses to improve conversions, increase order values, and reduce cart abandonment.

Tamara’s payment model, which aligns with Islamic finance principles, continues to resonate strongly in the region. The partnership supports Amazon Payment Services’ vision of expanding flexible payment options and boosting e-commerce growth in MENA.

According to Peter George, Managing Director of Amazon Payment Services in MENA, BNPL is now an essential part of the customer journey. He highlighted the partnership’s role in helping merchants tap into new revenue streams while delivering added value to shoppers. Sami Louali, Chief Revenue Officer of Tamara, expressed confidence in the collaboration’s potential to scale Tamara’s reach while providing a hassle-free payment experience.

Amazon Payment Services already works with over 25 banks in the region to offer long-term credit instalments. By integrating Tamara’s debit-based BNPL solution, Amazon adds greater choice and accessibility—helping merchants serve today’s digitally-savvy consumers more effectively.

This move marks a major milestone in the evolution of online payments in the region and positions both companies at the forefront of financial innovation in the Middle East.

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Dubai Launches First PropTech Hub at DIFC

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Read Time:1 Minute, 26 Second

A New Era for Real Estate

Dubai has launched the Dubai PropTech Hub, the region’s first dedicated hub for property technology. Opened on July 3, 2025, at the DIFC Innovation Hub, it aims to bring modern technology into the real estate sector, making processes smarter and more efficient.

Goals by 2030

The PropTech Hub plans to:

  • Support 200+ PropTech startups
  • Create 3,000+ jobs
  • Attract $300 million in investments

These goals align with Dubai’s long-term economic and real estate development strategies.

Who’s Involved?

The hub connects:

  • Regulators like DIFC and the Dubai Land Department
  • Real estate developers such as Binghatti, Majid Al Futtaim, Sobha Realty, Union Properties, and Transguard
  • Investors and tech startups

Binghatti, a founding partner, is known for using AI, blockchain, and 3D models to improve real estate transparency and efficiency.

What Startups Get

Startups in the hub will receive:

  • Special licenses and modern workspaces
  • Incubator and accelerator programs
  • Opportunities to test their tech in real-world settings
  • Events and networking opportunities

Essa Kazim from DIFC said the hub will create a top-notch environment for real estate innovation. Omar BuShehab from DLD said it supports Dubai’s plan to go fully digital in real estate.

Why It’s Important

The hub will:

  • Help new businesses grow faster
  • Bring real estate companies and tech startups together
  • Put Dubai on the map as a global leader in PropTech

What’s Next?

The PropTech Hub will:

  • Invite global startups to join
  • Start pilot projects with developers
  • Launch targeted programs and global events

Final Thoughts

Dubai’s PropTech Hub is a big step forward for real estate. It combines technology, regulation, and investment to build a smarter and more advanced property market.

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Primrose Capital Receives Key Approval from ADGM to Expand into MENA

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Read Time:1 Minute, 47 Second

Primrose Capital Management, a Singapore-based quantitative hedge fund manager, has received in-principle approval (IPA) from Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). This milestone positions the firm to offer its advanced investment solutions in the UAE and across the broader MENA region.

Strengthening Ties Between Asia and the Gulf

The approval from ADGM marks a strategic move by Primrose to bridge its presence between Singapore and Abu Dhabi—two rising hubs for innovation in finance and technology. By entering the ADGM ecosystem, Primrose is poised to offer its machine-learning-driven investment strategies to institutional investors across the region, facilitating capital flows between Asia and the Middle East.

Serving a Growing Investor Base

Primrose plans to cater to family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and institutional clients in the Gulf region. These investors are increasingly looking for transparent, risk-managed, and technology-based investment approaches. With over $500 billion in assets held by regional family offices alone, the appetite for structured and data-driven strategies continues to rise.

A Vote of Confidence from ADGM

Linus Ong, Chief Investment Officer at Primrose Capital, emphasized the importance of operating within a regulated framework. He praised ADGM’s forward-thinking regulatory structure and called the IPA “a strong validation of our team, model, and technology.” He noted that institutional investors today demand not just performance but also credibility and compliance.

Next Steps: Licensing and Local Growth

Following the IPA, Primrose will work closely with FSRA to obtain full Financial Services Permission. The firm also plans to expand its team in Abu Dhabi by hiring portfolio engineers and client-facing professionals. Additionally, it aims to launch MENA-domiciled feeder funds for its flagship strategies, offering regional investors easier access to its Global Multi-Strategy and Digital Options programs by late 2025.


Conclusion

Primrose Capital’s move into the ADGM ecosystem is more than just an expansion—it’s a signal of the growing synergy between Asian and Gulf financial markets. With advanced technology at its core and a strong regulatory foundation, Primrose is well-positioned to become a key player in the evolving MENA investment landscape.

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Mawarid Finance and AFS Launch UAE’s First Fintech Enablement Hub

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Read Time:1 Minute, 29 Second

In a major step toward accelerating digital innovation, Mawarid Finance and Arab Financial Services (AFS) have launched the UAE’s first Fintech Enablement Hub. This new platform is designed to support fintech startups by offering fast, seamless access to payment and card issuance infrastructure.

The goal of the hub is to simplify the process for fintechs to launch their own card programs. By combining BIN sponsorship, processing, scheme connectivity, and card issuance into a single platform, fintech companies can now go from concept to live card issuance in as little as 15 days.

One of the key features of this hub is its integration with Mastercard Product Express. This allows startups to select a certified program manager, choose card designs, access live BINs, and monitor the entire process with full transparency—all from one place.

Rashid Al Qubaisi, CEO of Mawarid Finance, stated that this partnership supports fintech innovation by providing the regulatory and operational foundations needed to grow quickly and compliantly. He emphasized that Mawarid’s role as a BIN sponsor will allow new digital financial models to thrive in the region.

Samer Soliman, CEO of AFS, highlighted the importance of reducing friction for fintech companies. He explained that AFS is offering a full-service platform with the technology and expertise needed to shorten time-to-market and simplify operations for digital card programs.

This collaboration is expected to drive major growth in the UAE’s fintech ecosystem. It offers startups a faster, easier way to launch financial products without having to manage multiple partnerships or face regulatory roadblocks.

With this initiative, Mawarid Finance and AFS are positioning the UAE as a leading hub for fintech innovation in the region, providing startups with the tools, support, and infrastructure needed to succeed in the digital economy.

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