Ripple has received full regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to offer blockchain-based payment services in the UAE.

The licence allows Ripple to operate within the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), a free economic zone with its own regulatory framework and tax policies.

The announcement comes nearly six months after Ripple first received in-principle approval for the licence in October 2024.

With the licence now secured, Ripple can provide its global crypto payment solutions to businesses in the UAE, supporting financial institutions in adopting digital assets for real-world use.

Ripple's CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, highlighted the UAE's position as a leader in tech and crypto innovation, benefiting from regulatory clarity and growing institutional interest.

The company has also seen rising demand for cross-border payments in the Middle East, not just from crypto-native firms, but also traditional financial institutions.

Ripple is closely monitoring the UAE's evolving regulations on stablecoins and is working with the Central Bank of the UAE to ensure compliance with new rules.

Ripple becomes the first blockchain-enabled payment provider licensed to operate within the DIFC's free zone, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the UAE's crypto ecosystem. The move opens up further opportunities in the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

.