#AbuDhabiStablecoin
### **1. Abu Dhabi & Cryptocurrency Regulation**
- Abu Dhabi, as part of the **United Arab Emirates (UAE)**, has been a **pro-crypto hub** with clear regulations.
- The **Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)**, a financial free zone, has a **comprehensive crypto regulatory framework** under its **Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)**.
- Many major crypto firms (e.g., **Binance, Kraken, MidChains**) have set up operations in ADGM.
### **2. Does Abu Dhabi Have Its Own Coin?**
- **No official "Abu Dhabi Coin" exists**, but the UAE has explored **central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)**.
- The **Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)** is working on a **Digital Dirham (CBDC)** as part of its **Digital Payments Strategy** (expected 2026-2030).
- The UAE has also partnered with **China** on a **mBridge CBDC project** for cross-border payments.
### **3. Private & Local Crypto Initiatives**
- **ADGM** allows licensed crypto businesses to operate.
- **Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)** has supported blockchain startups.
- Some local projects (like **Mubadala-backed ventures**) invest in crypto and blockchain.
### **4. Could Abu Dhabi Launch a Coin?**
- If Abu Dhabi wanted a **city-specific digital currency**, it could:
- Create a **municipal stablecoin** (like Dubai’s **"DubaiCoin"** scam in 2021, which was fake).
- Partner with **Ripple, Stellar, or Ethereum** for a regulated token.
- However, the UAE is more focused on the **national Digital Dirham** rather than city-specific coins.
### **5. Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai in Crypto**
- **Dubai** is more aggressive in crypto adoption (e.g., **Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)**).
- **Abu Dhabi** is more focused on **institutional and regulated crypto services**.