In a bold step toward blockchain-powered public services, Abu Dhabi has become the first city in the region to accept crypto payments in taxis — and it’s all thanks to AE Coin, the UAE’s first Dirham-backed stablecoin.
As part of Abu Dhabi’s Smart City initiative, the Integrated Transport Center (ITC) has partnered with Al Maryah Community Bank (MBank) to launch AE Coin as a payment method for taxis. The integration is live — making everyday crypto usage a real-world experience, not just a headline.
🔎 What Is AE Coin?
AE Coin is a regulated stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the UAE Dirham (AED) and supervised by the Central Bank of the UAE, which granted its final license in December 2024. That means:
🏦 Full regulatory compliance
💸 Stable value
⚡ Instant transactions
📉 Minimal fees
Designed to offer speed, security, and stability, AE Coin removes the volatility of traditional cryptocurrencies — making it ideal for public use, especially in daily transport.
🚕 How to Pay for a Taxi Using AE Coin
It’s simple and futuristic:
1. Download the AEC Wallet app.
2. Enter any Abu Dhabi taxi equipped with QR code payments.
3. Scan the code using your AEC Wallet.
4. Pay instantly in AE Coin — 1 AE Coin always equals 1 AED.
No waiting, no transaction charges, and no disputes. It’s a cashless, cardless, crypto-powered experience.
💬 Leaders Speak: Why This Matters
Tawasul Transport General Manager Ghena Jbour called the move “a leap toward a smart and sustainable transport system.”
MBank CEO Mohammed Wassim Khayata highlighted AE Coin’s alignment with the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025, which aims to digitize all public services — from health to transport to finance.
And AE Coin General Manager Ramez Rafeek made it clear: “This isn’t just another crypto. This is real-world, regulated blockchain adoption.”
✈️ AE Coin Soars Higher — Now Accepted by Air Arabia!
The success didn’t stop with taxis.
Air Arabia, one of the region’s most popular airlines, has now integrated AE Coin as a payment option for flight bookings — extending the stablecoin’s reach from local roads to international skies.
This puts AE Coin at the center of the UAE’s goal to be a global crypto commerce leader, showing how regulated digital assets can revolutionize mobility, travel, and everyday life.
📊 UAE at the Forefront of MENA’s Crypto Adoption
According to Chainalysis, the MENA region recorded $338.7 billion in crypto transaction volume between July 2023 and June 2024. The UAE alone contributed $34 billion — placing third in the region, with a 30% adoption rate.
Stablecoins are leading this charge. Why?
✅ Price stability = better user trust
🔐 Regulatory clarity = safer usage
🔄 Fast, seamless payments = better experience
AE Coin is now proving that crypto isn’t just for traders — it’s for everyone.
💡 Why AE Coin Matters for the Future
This isn’t just another crypto launch. AE Coin is paving the road for blockchain in real life. From blockchain-powered taxis to crypto-friendly airlines, it signals a massive shift in:
🛠 Digital infrastructure
🔄 Seamless public-private integrations
📉 Reduced reliance on physical cash and bank cards
The UAE is turning vision into action, one blockchain use case at a time.
⚠️ Is AE Coin Safe?
Absolutely. AE Coin is:
✅ Pegged 1:1 with the Dirham
✅ Licensed by the UAE Central Bank
✅ Audited, transparent, and traceable
✅ Built for fast, cheap, and secure payments
Whether you're riding in a taxi or booking your next flight, AE Coin ensures that digital doesn’t mean risky — it means reliable, fast, and future-ready.
🎯 Benefits of Using AE Coin Over Cash or Cards
💡 No hidden fees
🚀 Instant transactions
🔒 Bank-level security
🌍 Supports the UAE’s green and digital goals
📉 No forex or cross-border complexity
💼 Open to tourists and residents alike
You’re not just paying — you’re becoming part of a new financial era.
📱 How to Get Started
1. Download the AEC Wallet App (available on iOS & Android).
2. Top-up with Dirhams via your bank or authorized partners.
3. Start paying for taxis and flights using AE Coin.
4. Track your transactions securely on-chain.
Whether you're a crypto veteran or new to digital assets — AE Coin is designed to make crypto payments as easy as using cash.
🌐 Final Thoughts: UAE’s Digital Leap Has Begun
AE Coin isn’t just a new digital currency — it’s a symbol of national ambition.
By bringing crypto into mainstream public infrastructure, the UAE is quietly building one of the most advanced digital economies in the world — powered not by hype, but by real use cases.
Expect more adoption. More industries. More integration. And more countries watching and learning.
🟡 Follow for More Real-World Crypto Use Cases!
The world is watching what AE Coin and the UAE are building.
💬 What are your thoughts on paying with crypto in taxis and planes?
🧠 Could your country be next?
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