Dubai approves Ripple’s RLUSD for enterprise use
Ripple has received official regulatory clearance from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) for its stablecoin, RLUSD. This approval allows RLUSD to be utilised within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a leading financial zone that houses thousands of international firms.
The DFSA’s endorsement signals a significant step for RLUSD, positioning it as a trustworthy digital dollar designed specifically for large-scale business transactions. Ripple’s broader plan to use blockchain technology to enhance global money movement has taken a notable leap forward through this regulatory milestone.
A Digital Dollar with a Business Focus
RLUSD is a type of cryptocurrency known as a stablecoin, meaning its value is consistently tied to the US dollar. While many stablecoins are geared towards retail use, RLUSD was developed with enterprises in mind, especially those involved in cross-border payments.
Ripple structured RLUSD with a clear emphasis on financial stability and regulatory trust. Each unit of RLUSD is backed one-to-one by US dollars or similarly secure liquid assets, held in segregated accounts to protect users. External audits, strict reserve controls, and transparent operations have been built into the system, making it attractive to institutions that require reliability and compliance with financial standards.
Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, Jack McDonald, has outlined the intention behind RLUSD’s creation: to offer a digital asset that aligns with regulatory expectations and supports high-volume, cross-border financial activity. The coin’s approval in Dubai adds to its existing regulatory status in New York, where it is issued under a Trust Company Charter supervised by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).
Integration into Ripple’s Payment Network
With the DFSA’s go-ahead, RLUSD is now eligible to be embedded into Ripple’s payment solutions licensed in the region. Ripple’s system allows institutions to transfer funds globally using blockchain technology, reducing the delays and costs usually associated with traditional banking rails.
The decision also gives other DFSA-regulated companies within the DIFC the opportunity to integrate RLUSD into their own virtual asset services. Given the size of the DIFC’s business community — home to nearly 7,000 firms at the close of 2024 — this could significantly expand RLUSD’s practical use in the Middle East and North Africa.
Ripple’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, Reece Merrick, pointed out that the UAE is rapidly emerging as a leader in digital asset adoption, helped by its progressive approach to regulation. He also noted that businesses across the region are actively seeking improved options for global money transfers and secure digital asset solutions, positioning RLUSD as a timely offering.
UAE’s Role in the Future of Stablecoins
The United Arab Emirates has seen growing demand for blockchain-powered financial tools. Data from 2024 indicates a 55% rise in stablecoin transaction volumes compared to the previous year. With over A$600 billion in international trade passing through the UAE annually, the country provides a fertile environment for the expansion of stablecoin technologies.
By gaining DFSA recognition, RLUSD becomes part of the UAE’s broader strategy to be a global hub for digital finance. The country’s clear regulatory approach offers stability and confidence to international businesses, making it easier for firms like Ripple to operate effectively.
Ripple’s recent developments in the UAE go beyond payments. The company is working with Zand Bank and Mamo, two local institutions that are early adopters of Ripple’s blockchain-based services. It has also teamed up with Ctrl Alt to support the Dubai Land Department in a project to place property records on the blockchain — a move aimed at modernising real estate transactions.
Big milestone – RLUSD is now recognized under Dubai’s world-class DFSA regime, meaning it can be fully integrated into Ripple Payments (and utilised by any other DFSA-licensed firms!) in the @ DIFC
— Monica Long (@MonicaLongSF) June 3, 2025
Ripple President Monica Long noted on X that the DFSA’s recognition of RLUSD marks a major achievement. She confirmed that the stablecoin will now be available for full use within Ripple’s regional payment infrastructure, offering both speed and regulatory security.
